Blackbird Vineyards

Arise Proprietary Napa Valley Merlot Blend

9.038 ratings
9.22 pro ratings
Napa Valley, California, USA
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Pasta, Venison, Tomato-Based, Potato, Pork, Chocolate & Caramel, White Rice, Mushrooms, Beef, Lamb, Chili & Hot Spicy, Salami & Prosciutto, Exotic Spices, Baking Spices, Herbs, Chicken, Pungent Cheese, Turkey, Soft Cheese, Beans & Peas, Hard Cheese, Duck, Blue Cheese
Top Notes For
Valerio Dogliotti

Impressive blend( 58%Merlot, 32%Cab Franc, 10%Cab Sauvignon) from Black Bird Vineyard in Napa Valley. Black berry jam, vanilla and liquorice. Velvety tannins in the mouth, with a lingering finish.

Impressive blend( 58%Merlot, 32%Cab Franc, 10%Cab Sauvignon) from Black Bird Vineyard in Napa Valley. Black berry jam, vanilla and liquorice. Velvety tannins in the mouth, with a lingering finish.

2 people found it helpfulMay 1st, 2016
Michael Adelman

Still uptight and young... dominant Merlot Blend with a third Cab Franc and the rest Cab Sav... fruit forward but patience is key for their entry level offering...

Still uptight and young... dominant Merlot Blend with a third Cab Franc and the rest Cab Sav... fruit forward but patience is key for their entry level offering...

1 person found it helpfulSep 27th, 2016
Ryan Carey

Founder Wine Confidential

9.2

The '12 Blackbird Arise is the best Arise I've had to date. While the nose is candied apple and cranberry, the taste is dark fruit, cafe latte and espresso. Quite the contrast, and quite the surprise. We offer this wine at $50, which is very reasonable for this wine

The '12 Blackbird Arise is the best Arise I've had to date. While the nose is candied apple and cranberry, the taste is dark fruit, cafe latte and espresso. Quite the contrast, and quite the surprise. We offer this wine at $50, which is very reasonable for this wine

1 person found it helpfulFeb 6th, 2016
Andrew S

Much better than I was expecting tonight! Blackberry, plum, graphite, cedar, light vanilla and sage/green pepper.

Much better than I was expecting tonight! Blackberry, plum, graphite, cedar, light vanilla and sage/green pepper.

Sep 6th, 2016
Brian Kelly

To my delight, I found this hiding in plain sight, albeit covered in dust. Brushing away the dust, I expected to see 2014 or even 2015 on the label, and found myself surprised to see 2012 staring back at me. I thought I drank the last bottle if this years ago. Popped and poured. At 7 1/2 years old, this is showing some nice bottle age in the garnet color and bricking at the rim. Graphite with a hint of leather and crushed berries in the nose. In the mouth the fruit is present, but not overpowering. Blueberries and blackberries for days. I don't know whether today is a Monday or a Thursday (my calendar says it is Monday?), but I do know this wine is drinking great right now. Drink it if you've got it!

To my delight, I found this hiding in plain sight, albeit covered in dust. Brushing away the dust, I expected to see 2014 or even 2015 on the label, and found myself surprised to see 2012 staring back at me. I thought I drank the last bottle if this years ago. Popped and poured. At 7 1/2 years old, this is showing some nice bottle age in the garnet color and bricking at the rim. Graphite with a hint of leather and crushed berries in the nose. In the mouth the fruit is present, but not overpowering. Blueberries and blackberries for days. I don't know whether today is a Monday or a Thursday (my calendar says it is Monday?), but I do know this wine is drinking great right now. Drink it if you've got it!

Apr 6th, 2020
Ray Vanderhoff

Bordeaux Style Blend. (Merlot, Cab Franc and Cab Sauv). Lots of dark berry aromas and flavors. Hints of cassis, mint, tar and smoke. A touch of vanilla on the very Long finish. Nice smooth tannin structure. Needed some time to open up. Better the second day.

Bordeaux Style Blend. (Merlot, Cab Franc and Cab Sauv). Lots of dark berry aromas and flavors. Hints of cassis, mint, tar and smoke. A touch of vanilla on the very Long finish. Nice smooth tannin structure. Needed some time to open up. Better the second day.

Jun 10th, 2018
Jake Hall

Cherry and tobacco. Nicely balanced, not too over powering with a nice smooth finish. Had with steak at Ruth's Chris.

Cherry and tobacco. Nicely balanced, not too over powering with a nice smooth finish. Had with steak at Ruth's Chris.

Jul 29th, 2017
Julia Indik

Peppery on the nose and carrying straight into the flavor with big lush fruit, and chocolate. Smooth tannins and a moderate complex finish. Easy to love.

Peppery on the nose and carrying straight into the flavor with big lush fruit, and chocolate. Smooth tannins and a moderate complex finish. Easy to love.

Mar 16th, 2017
Sean Cathcart

Delicious wine, it finally has shed it's baby fat is and showing very nicely

Delicious wine, it finally has shed it's baby fat is and showing very nicely

Aug 4th, 2016
JJ Lumia

A nice blend of 58% merlot, 32% cab franc and 10% cab sauvignon. The aroma is full of clove. Generous amounts of clove on the palate are accompanied by blackberry, chocolate and coffee notes. Silky, well-integrated tannins and a soft, but generous, finish. It all comes together well.

A nice blend of 58% merlot, 32% cab franc and 10% cab sauvignon. The aroma is full of clove. Generous amounts of clove on the palate are accompanied by blackberry, chocolate and coffee notes. Silky, well-integrated tannins and a soft, but generous, finish. It all comes together well.

Apr 15th, 2016