Blackbird Vineyards Illustration

Blackbird's Merlot-based blend, brings together power and silkiness with unusual grace. The bouquet shows elegant notes of cherry and toffee with long, luscious floral aromas. The well balanced mid-palate offers great density and abundant flavours of coffee and stone fruit. The finish is persistent in length with sophisticated tannins leading to a smooth mouth feel.

Founded by Michael Polenske, Blackbird Vineyards released its first wine with the 2003 vintage. Prior to this, the vineyards were a part of the large Trefethen vineyard. The inspiration for Blackbird is in part, due to the owners love of Pomerol, the seductive, Merlot based wines from Bordeaux. Before making wine, Michael Polenske had a successful career in the technology rich region of Silicone Valley, which is located not far from Napa Valley. To get things started, Blackbird brought in Sarah Gott as their wine maker. Sarah Gott earned her experience with previous jobs at Joseph Phelps and Quintessa. Following Sarah Gott, Aaron Pott was brought in as the wine maker in 2006. The initial vineyard purchase by Michael Polenske, which became the start for Blackbird Vineyards, was planted to almost 100% Merlot. There was about 1% Cabernet Sauvignon in the vineyard as well. Blackbird Vineyards now owns 10 acres of vines in the Oak Knoll District, which is in the southern portion of the Napa Valley. The majority of their soils are gravel, with some sand and clay. Blackbird Vineyards also produces wine from purchased grapes planted in various appellations including: Atlas Peak, Carneros, Hudson Vineyards and Pritchard Hill.