2016 Silver Thread - Blackbird

The 2016 Blackbird STV Estate Vineyard is a 66/33 blend of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot for the last dollop, aged for 22 months in an equal mixture of used French and American oak. It comes in at 12.1% alcohol. This has a more serious feel than the Good Earth Cab Franc but not its exuberance. It is also, of course, from a more concentrated vintage. Showing fine depth from this warm vintage, this is still a leaner, cooler-climate style, but it shows great. The tannins are ripe—you can drink this now. It should hold reasonably well, though, and it may yet improve. At the moment, I actually liked the Good Earth better, but that may change as they age for a few years.