Blackbird "Contrarian" Proprietary Red 2013
(Napa Valley, California) - [AG 92]

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Notes from the Winemaker:

"Commanding and expressive with savory notes of black cherry, truffle, pepper, and bay, Contrarian is the most powerful of the Blackbird trio. Black currant, toffee, sweet herbs, and espresso are framed by well-structured, bold tannins that crescendo with lush fruit into a long finish. While the wine is gratifying now, Contrarian will age gloriously with time in the cellar."

Contrarian is crafted by passion and instinct. This textured blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon possesses both an aromatic richness and subtle tannin profile. It exudes an elegance Blackbird Vineyards' wines are known for, while displaying the regal posture that comes from superior Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. A wine to indulge in now and for decades to come, Contrarian's uniquely supple structure flouts convention.

Technical Data:
Blend: 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Cabernet Franc, 32% Merlot
Barrel Regime: 21 months in French Oak barrels - 75% new, 25% seasoned
Alcohol: 14.5%
Production: 40 barrels

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92 Points - Antonio Galloni's Vinous Media
"The 2013 Contrarian is the darkest and most massive of these wines from Blackbird. Huge swaths of tannin cut across the palate. Deep, explosive and inviting, the 2013 holds plenty of depth in its inky blue and purplish fruit, grilled herbs, mocha and chocolate. Like all of the Blackbird wines, the Contrarian is powerful and super-extracted. Accordingly, it is going to need a few years to shed some of its youthful exuberance." — (Oct 2015)

93+ Points - Antonio Galloni (2012 Vintage):
"Cabernet Franc plays the leading role in the 2012 Contrarian. Sweet floral and savory aromatics meld into a core of dark red stone fruits in a deep, resonant wine built on pure verticality. All the elements fall into place in a gracious yet powerful wine. The Cabernet Franc is felt especially in the lifted, floral aromatics that are woven throughout." - Antonio Galloni (September 2010)

93 Points - James Suckling (2012 Vintage):
"A firm and juicy wine with blackberry, hints of new wood and cedar. Full-bodied, velvety and rich. Long finish. A blend of 54% cabernet franc, 23% cabernet sauvignon, and 23% merlot. Drink or hold." - (July 28th, 2015)

91+ Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (2012 Vintage):
"The 2012 Proprietary Red Contrarian (an equal part blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc) is slightly more structured. Its dense ruby/purple color is followed by notes of blackcurrants, licorice, lead pencil shavings, vanillin and spice. Made in a fuller-bodied, more structured and masculine style, it should drink well 2016-2028." - Robert M. Parker, Jr. (Oct 2014)

90 Points - Wine Spectator Magazine (2012 Vintage):
"Marked by a rustic mix of dusty herb and cedar notes, this features a firm core of dark berry, savory and loamy flavors, but the fruit pushes through on the finish. Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now through 2027. 840 cases made." – JL (Jun 15, 2015)

Wine Enthusiast Magazine (2012 Vintage):
"A majority of Cabernet Franc combines with 23% Cabernet Sauvignon and 23% Merlot. The result is a dense expression of cherry, strawberry and vanilla, sharp on the tongue in tar and tobacco, the tannins tightly wound." - Virginie Boone (8/1/2015)