2014 Blackbird Illustration
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S$29997
Vintage: 2014
Country: USA
Region: Napa Valley
About Winery
Blackbird Vineyards is an artisanal producer of Bordeaux-inspired wines from Napa Valley. Crafted by esteemed winemaker Aaron Pott, each wine in the portfolio is a true example of Blackbird’s ongoing commitment to quality and diversity of terroir by partnering with a selection of Napa Valley’s most prestigious vineyards. These include sites in high altitudes of Spring Mountain and Atlas Peak, the alluvial terrain of Saint Helena and the Oak Knoll district in Napa, and the cool climates of Carneros.
Illustration represents the core of Blackbird Vineyards. Every element of its multi-faceted wine portfolio draws inspiration from this principally Merlot composition. Illustration challenges the notion that Cabernet Sauvignon is the only age-worthy red wine crafted in Napa Valley.
With enticing aromas of rich dark fruits, black licorice, cocoa, and lavender, Illustration is the most luxurious wine in the Blackbird portfolio. Teeming flavors of blackberry, plum, cola, and cedar envelop the palate, amplifying the rich texture and supple tannins. This wine is drinking beautifully upon release and will continue to develop with time in the cellar.
"A blend of 65% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Franc, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Petit Verdot is the 2014 Proprietary Red Illustration. Like it siblings, this is aged 17 months in French cooperage, of which about half is new. This is a beauty – Old World meets New World so to speak – with good tannin structure and acidity, but terrific ripe fruit of crème de cassis, black chocolate intermixed with licorice and espresso bean. This is a full-bodied, juicy, opulent style of wine to drink over the next 15 or so years."
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
"The 2014 Illustration is soft, open-knit and pliant, with more than enough mid-palate depth to drink well with minimal cellaring. Sweet red cherry, plum, tobacco and spice lead into the fleshy, inviting finish."
Vinous Media - By Antonio Galloni
