2006 Blackbird Paramour
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Tasting notes
A blend of 48% Merlot, 44% Cabernet Franc, and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2006 Paramour exhibits slightly more tannin than the Illustration, and comes across as an elegant, restrained, austere red. Its deep ruby/purple hue is followed by a medium-bodied effort with a somewhat clipped personality. While it is my least favorite of this group, I think more will emerge with 2-3 years of bottle age. It should last for 15+ years. This impressive portfolio was assembled by winemaker Aaron Pott and consulting winemaker Sarah Gott (her husband owns the incredibly successful fast-food chain of Taylor’s Refresher in San Francisco, Napa, and St. Helena – which makes the best cheeseburger and Ahi burger in the land). All of these offerings reveal beautiful balance, suppleness, and intensity. Production runs between 200-300 cases for most of the cuvees, with the Illustration maxing out at 1,200 cases. Blackbird’s mission statement is to make artisanal, Pomerol-inspired wines from Napa Valley, and they appear to be succeeding. The estate vineyard is in the Oak Knoll district, which is well-known for deep, loamy, gravelly soils. Tel. (707) 252-4444; Fax (707) 252-9999
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Medium ruby-red. Tight aromas of dark raspberry and smoky oak; much brighter than the nose of the Arise bottling. Red fruit flavors offer moderate depth and nuance but an attractive tactile, velvety texture. Finishes with slightly gritty tannins and a building oakiness.