2017 Blackbird Illustration
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Tasting notes
The 2017 Illustration Proprietary Red is a more Merlot heavy blend that includes 28% Cabernet Sauvignon and 23% Cabernet Franc. It reveals a deep purple color as well as terrific notes of black currants, cassis, toasted spice, candied violets, and incense. Rich, medium to full-bodied, and balanced, it shows the classic, straight, and focused style of the vintage nicely.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2017 Illustration is a racy, exuberant wine. Cabernet Franc aromatics add freshness to this super-expressive, racy, Merlot-based red. Espresso, bittersweet chocolate, menthol, licorice, dark spices and new leather all jump from the glass. This is a gorgeous wine from Blackbird.
Composed of 49% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon and 23% Cabernet Franc, the 2017 Illustration Proprietary Red has a medium to deep garnet-purple color. It rolls sensuously out of the glass with expressive blackberry pie, warm plums and exotic spice scents plus hints of tobacco and fragrant earth. Medium to full-bodied, the palate exudes plushly textured, juicy black fruits with great freshness and a long spicy finish. 421 cases were made.
Dark cherry, plum, espresso, menthol and spice are pushed forward in the 2017 Illustration. Pliant, juicy and expressive, the 2017 offers plenty of near and medium-term appeal. This is an especially racy wine. Then again, that is 2017.