Blackbird Vineyards "Paramour" Proprietary Red Wine 2014
(Napa Valley, California) - [RP 95] [AG 92]

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Notes from the Winemaker:
Paramour possesses both sensuality and commanding structure. Merlot and Cabernet Franc have a fragile but irresistible chemistry that flourishes when climate, soils and seasons align. The grapes allotted for this graceful red wine are grown in only the most auspicious conditions. Paramour reveals the passionate relationship between these two varietals and between winegrower and land.

"Complex aromas of blueberry, violets, espresso, and eucalyptus encircle the nose of this elegant Cabernet Franc-blend. Layers of Bing cherry, blackberry, and savory herbs combine with fine-grained tannins on the palate, leading to a round, supple finish with persistent length. Enjoy now or cellar over the next decade or more."
Winemaker, Aaron Pott

Technical Data:
Blend 84% Cabernet Franc, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot
Harvest Fall 2014
Release Spring 2017
Barrel Regime 21 months in French Oak barrels - 75% new, 25% seasoned
Alcohol 14.5%
Production 40 barrels
Optimum Drinking 2017 - 2030

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95 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"Another terrific example of Blackbird is the 2014 Proprietary Red Paramour, a fabulous blend of 84% Cabernet Franc, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Merlot. The Cabernet Franc comes from the Stagecoach Vineyard. Consultant Aaron Pott said he thinks they have a magical spot for it on that large eastern Napa Valley mountain site. This is terrific stuff from the super-intense fragrance of white flowers and forest floor to the blueberry, black raspberry and graphite notes. The wine hits the palate with dazzling fruit intensity, loads of glycerin, a round, juicy, succulent mouthfeel, a layered personality and a long, supple finish. Drink it now or over the next 15+ years." - Robert M. Parker, Jr. (28th Oct 2016)

92 Points - Antonio Galloni:
"The 2014 Paramour is one of the more tightly wound wines in this range. Sweet herbs, mocha, tobacco and cedar open up first. Beams of firm, youthful tannin give the wine its sense of proportion. Long and nicely delineated, the 2014 is going to need a few years to come into its own, but it is quite pretty, even today." - Antonio Galloni (Dec 2016)