Blackbird Vineyards 'Arise' Proprietary Red Blend 2022

Arise is Blackbird’s most accessible expression of their Right Bank philosophy, built for earlier enjoyment without sacrificing structure. The 2022 leans into depth and polish, combining layered dark fruit, savory nuance, and a supple, fine-grained texture that feels distinctly Napa yet classically composed.

Quick Facts

• Producer: Blackbird Vineyards
• Region: Napa Valley, California
• Vintage: 2022
• Varietal: Bordeaux-style blend
• Blend: 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Cabernet Franc, 22% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot
• Winemaker: Aaron Pott
• ABV: 14.2%
• Aging: 21 months in French oak (50% new)

Tasting Profile

• Fruit: Plum, blackberry, blueberry, black cherry
• Non-Fruit: Graphite, cedar, dried herbs, cocoa, licorice
• Structure: Medium to full-bodied, soft fine-grained tannins, balanced acidity
• Oak Influence: Polished and integrated, adding spice and depth

Tasting Summary

The 2022 Arise opens with an aromatic mix of blood plum, graphite, dried herbs, and subtle chocolate. The palate is layered and expressive, showing dark fruit and savory tones carried by soft, integrated tannins. The finish is long and composed, with lingering notes of plum, cherry, and licorice.

Why We Love It

• A true “bridge wine” between Napa richness and Bordeaux structure
• Cabernet Franc drives aromatic lift and complexity
• Fine tannin profile makes it approachable earlier than most Napa blends
• A strong step-up option for guests moving from Merlot into structured reds

Winemaking

Arise is sourced from a collection of Napa Valley vineyard sites, including hillside and benchland locations that bring both structure and freshness. Sites like Shifflett (Yountville hillside), Star (Rutherford), and Gamble (Oakville benchland) contribute layers of fruit intensity and textural polish.

Fermentation is managed for balance and aromatic precision, followed by aging in French oak with a meaningful portion of new barrels. The goal is integration rather than overt oak influence, allowing the blend’s structure and site expression to lead.

Serving & Pairing

A versatile, structure-driven red that works across a range of dishes:

• Grilled steak or lamb
• Braised short ribs
• Mushroom-based dishes
• Aged cheeses

Serve just below room temperature and decant for 30–60 minutes to open aromatics.

Drinking Window

Drink now with a decant or cellar through 2033–2035 for added complexity and integration.

Estate Overview

Blackbird Vineyards produces Napa Valley wines inspired by the Right Bank of Bordeaux, with a focus on Merlot and Cabernet Franc as the foundation of their blends. By sourcing from top vineyard sites across Napa, they create wines that balance Napa generosity with Old World structure and restraint.