Blackbird Vineyards Arise 2012

The 2012 Arise exudes aromas of blackberry, black currant, cocoa powder, clove, forest floor and cedar with a robust approach on the palate. With present tannins and good length, the Arise exhibits flavors of strawberry and cherry in a lingering finish. With no frost, a mild spring and summer, and a peaceful fall, Arise benefited from what some say was an ideal growing season. Made with 58% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon

Perched to seize the day as Oak Knoll's foremost Merlot is Blackbird Vineyards, located in the heart of the district. Since 1999, this former walnut orchard, first planted with 5717 vines two years earlier, has quietly provided fruit to many of Napa's finest winemakers, for whom it has yielded astonishing reviews and stellar scorings. Purchased by entrepreneur Michael Polenske in 2003, Blackbird Vineyards is now an ultra premium label in its own right. (Fittingly, 'Merlot' is French patois for 'Little Blackbird.')