Tasting Notes
The 2019 Blackbird Vineyards Contrarian is a bold and structured Bordeaux-style red blend crafted in Napa Valley. Shifting away from the winery’s traditional Merlot-led portfolio, this vintage is anchored by 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Merlot. On the nose, the wine bursts with expressively aromatic layers of black currant, blackberry, cherry, and violets, balanced alongside intricate, savory undertones of clove, vanilla, nutmeg, toffee, and forest floor. The palate makes a remarkably soft, illustrious entry, delivering dense flavors of dark cherry, plum, and cocoa. Earthy notes of black Perigord truffle, porcini mushroom, and black licorice run seamlessly through its rich mid-palate texture. It concludes with polished, chewy tannins and an energetic, long-lasting finish. Given its high density, prominent tannins, and savory complexity, this full-bodied blend pairs exceptionally well with rich and hearty dishes. It serves as a perfect companion to classic meat courses, including grilled ribeye steak, prime rib, roasted lamb, and braised beef short ribs. The wine’s inherent earthiness and dark fruit profile complement the smokiness of barbecue spareribs and five-spice pork, while also elevating savory, mushroom-forward pasta dishes or a rich chicken tamal in red mole sauce. For cheese courses, pairing it with structured, aged choices like French Mimolette or rich, hard cheeses beautifully cuts through the wine's bold finish.
Critical Acclaim
96 Points from Wine Advocate
96 Points from James Suckling
The 2019 Blackbird Vineyards Contrarian has earned exceptional praise from top wine critics, notably securing identical 96-point ratings from both Robert Parker's Wine Advocate and acclaimed critic James Suckling. The Wine Advocate review highlights the proprietary red blend as "full-bodied and rich without being heavy," celebrating its cedary, ripe profile filled with black cherries and cassis that culminates in a long, velvety finish accented by dark chocolate and loam. Meanwhile, James Suckling lauded its "wonderful vivacity," drawing attention to its incredibly pure Cabernet Sauvignon aromas of blackcurrant, black licorice, and forest floor, while complementing its energetic, fresh finish and chewy, polished tannins.
750ml
