2012 Blackbird Vineyards - Illustration Napa Valley (89

2012 Blackbird Vineyards - Illustration Napa Valley (89 pts) @blackbirdvineyards @mastersofwine · 🙋‍♂️ What adjective would you use to describe this wine❓· ℹ️ This wine is made from 64% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon. Wine is aged in French oak barrels for up to 21 months (around 75% new). Tasted at the IMW "Considering Merlot" tasting panel with Aaron Pott @aaron _pott who is the Winemaker at Blackbird Vineyards. He spoke a lot about Merlot not needing acidity to achieve ageability and that it can do so through structure received through long skin maceration and frequent punch downs· 👁 Deep ruby, almost black color· 👃 Medium intensity on the nose. Aromas of ripe blackberry, black plum, pine, sasparilla, oak, cedar, earthy, and violets· 👄 The wine is dry, medium acidity, medium+ plush tannins, high alcohol, and full body. Extremely viscous texture with a high amount of dry extract. Medium+ length finish of cooked down plums and a lingering violet note· 🔔 Round, full, supple wine. The nose had a good amount of oak notes and ripe fruit. The palate fruit was overripe almost to the point of candied. Oak less obvious on the palate. Amazing texture coaxed out of this wine. This is definitely on the hedonistic side of wine. One could even say a touch slutty.