2010 Blackbird Paramour
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Tasting notes
The dense purple-colored 2010 Proprietary Red Paramour (41% Cabernet Franc, 36% Merlot and 23% Cabernet Sauvignon) is slightly more restrained aromatically, displaying blueberry, blackberry and cassis fruit, a full-bodied, fleshy, voluptuous character, and plenty of richness. However, it appears less evolved than the Arise or Illustration. Give it another 1-2 years of cellaring and drink it over the following 10-12 years. 2011 was, of course, a much more challenging vintage, and these cuvees have slightly lower alcohols than in 2010. Tel. (707) 252-4444
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(41% cabernet franc, 36% merlot and 23% cabernet sauvignon): Good bright medium ruby. Brooding aromas of black fruits, dark chocolate, roast coffee and menthol, with a hint of violet and a strong element of chocolatey oak. Then plush and deep but youthfully unevolved, with blueberry and licorice flavors complicated by a faint leafy quality. This very rich wine opened beautifully in the glass to show building sweetness. The broad, serious tannins saturate the entire palate on the very long aftertaste.