(81% merlot, 16% cabernet franc and 3% cabernet sauvignon): Bright ruby-red. Sexy, vibrant aromas of black cherry, dark raspberry, cassis, chocolate and licorice. Densely packed and sharply delineated, boasting excellent intensity to its cherry, currant, spice and licorice flavors. Richer than the Arise, but without any impression of excess weight. This has a pH near 4 but a mineral element counters the impression of low acidity. The serious, mounting finish features firm but very fine tannins. Blackbird, whose wines are made by the talented Aaron Pott, describes itself as "an artisanal producer of Pomerol-inspired wines" and this beauty could be Exhibit A.

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Dense and wound tightly, but with a core of lovely fruit at the center. Aromas of blackberry, olive and cedar lead to concentrated flavors of cherry, roasted sage and fresh earth. Tannins hold a grip for now. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.

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Blueberry and black currant in the nose, it shows a somewhat youthfully angular palate with polished black fruits in the core. Needs a year or two to open up more, as it is showing very primary at this stage.

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