Brand: Blackbird Vineyards
Country: USA
Region: California
Vintage: 2021
Rating: 93
JS93: A Bordeaux-style blend dominated by 55% cabernet franc, the wine has a pretty, floral aroma, inviting red fruit flavors and silky tannins, so it’s easy to sip even at a young age. Tastes nicely ripe, almost sweet, but not at all thick or cloying.
JD91: The 2021 Arise Proprietary Red can be thought of as the second wine of the estate and is based on 55% Cabernet Franc, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot, and the rest Zinfandel. It's a ripe, medium to full-bodied, plush, satisfying, and easygoing 2021 offering plenty of darker fruits, some spicy, chocolaty oak, and a great finish. A good value, it will deliver the goods over the coming 7-8 years.