2016 BLACKBIRD Vineyards •Paramour•
Proprietary Red Napa Valley

$106.90

94
RP
94
VM
93+
JD

Experience the artistry of the 2016 Blackbird Vineyards Paramour Proprietary Red, a masterful blend that showcases the elegance and complexity of Napa Valley’s finest Cabernet Franc. With its vibrant layers of black cherry, plum, and espresso, this wine offers a luxurious tasting experience, perfect for savoring now or cellaring for years to come. Limited quantities are available—secure your bottle today and indulge in a wine that promises sophistication and unforgettable flavor. Don’t miss the chance to elevate your collection with this exceptional vintage. Order now!
Volume: 750 ML | 14.1% ABV

18 in stock

Wine Advocate – 94 Points

Composed of 82% Cabernet Franc, 15% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2016 Paramour Proprietary Red is deep garnet-purple colored and features notes of tar, tilled black soil, fungi and oolong tea over a core of red and black currants, black raspberries and crushed plums. Medium-bodied with a chewy, stewed tea-laced frame, it delivers loads of bright, refreshing flavors and a quiet, earthy intensity on the finish. 1,545 cases were made. Oct/2018 —Lisa Perrotti-Brown | robertparker.com

Vinous – 91 Points

The 2016 Paramour is one of the best wines I have tasted from Blackbird. Dark, succulent and inviting, the 2016 possesses terrific depth and nuance. Chocolate, black cherry, spice, new leather and menthol build in this racy, vibrant Cabernet Franc-based blend. Most of this fruit is sourced from Stagecoach, Hudson and Crocker Starr. Dec/2018 —Antonio Galloni | vinous.com

Jeb Dunnuck – 93+ Points

Lastly, the Cabernet Franc-dominated cuvee is the 2016 Paramour Proprietary Red Wine. Deep purple-colored, with fabulous complexity in its blackberry, cherry, strawberry, incense, and floral aromas and flavors, this beauty is medium to full-bodied, tight, and straight on the palate. Very much in the style of the other 2016s from this estate, it has enough structure to require 3-5 years of bottle age and should be long-lived. Jan/2019 —Jeb Dunnuck | jebdunnuck.com

Description

The 2016 Blackbird Vineyards Paramour Proprietary Red is a masterful expression of Cabernet Franc, enhanced by Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon to create a wine of remarkable balance and complexity. Sourced from premier vineyards in the Napa Valley, this vintage reflects the excellence of the growing season, marked by moderate weather and a long harvest period that allowed the fruit to develop exceptional ripeness and flavor concentration.

The nose is captivating, with aromas of black cherry, violets, and cassis, accented by hints of dried herbs, crushed graphite, and sweet vanilla from French oak aging. On the palate, the wine opens with a lush entry, revealing layers of ripe plum, red currant, and dark chocolate, supported by silky tannins and vibrant acidity. Subtle undertones of espresso, tobacco, and clove provide complexity and a long, seamless finish.

The 2016 Paramour is a wine of both elegance and power, showcasing the signature characteristics of Cabernet Franc: aromatic intensity, bright fruit, and refined structure. While approachable now with decanting, it promises to evolve beautifully over the next 10–12 years. Pair this wine with roasted duck breast, braised short ribs, or an assortment of artisanal cheeses for an unforgettable culinary experience.

Blackbird Vineyards was founded in 2003 in Napa Valley’s esteemed Oak Knoll District, an appellation celebrated for producing some of the region’s most balanced and expressive wines. The vineyard’s name pays homage to its French roots, as “merlot” translates to “young blackbird” in French patois. From the beginning, Blackbird Vineyards has been dedicated to crafting exceptional Bordeaux-inspired blends, showcasing Napa Valley’s terroir through a modern lens.

The story of Blackbird Vineyards begins with its founder, Michael Polenske, a passionate entrepreneur and art collector who sought to combine his love for fine wine and creativity. Under his vision, Blackbird became a boutique winery known for its focus on artistry in both winemaking and branding. To bring this vision to life, Polenske enlisted Aaron Pott, a celebrated winemaker with experience at prestigious estates such as Château Troplong Mondot and Château La Tour Figeac in Bordeaux. Pott’s expertise has been instrumental in shaping Blackbird’s reputation for crafting wines of elegance, complexity, and balance.

The vineyard itself spans 10 acres, originally planted to Merlot in 1997. This foundation made Merlot the cornerstone of Blackbird’s wines, but the winery soon expanded its focus to include other Bordeaux varietals such as Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot. Each wine in Blackbird’s portfolio is a proprietary blend, reflecting the vineyard’s dedication to innovation and its adaptability to Napa Valley’s diverse microclimates.

Signature wines such as Illustration, Paramour, Contrarian, and Arise have received critical acclaim for their seamless integration of Bordeaux-style craftsmanship with Napa Valley’s unique expression of fruit and structure. Blackbird’s wines are known for their rich aromatics, complex flavor profiles, and long aging potential.

Beyond winemaking, Blackbird Vineyards is deeply rooted in the arts. Polenske’s Ma(i)sonry Napa Valley, an art, design, and wine collective in Yountville, showcased Blackbird’s wines alongside a curated collection of fine art and design pieces. This unique concept elevated Blackbird’s profile, blending the worlds of wine and art in an immersive experience.

Today, Blackbird Vineyards continues to thrive as a boutique winery, producing limited quantities of handcrafted wines that exemplify the synergy between tradition and innovation. Its legacy is one of artistic expression, rooted in the timeless appeal of Bordeaux-inspired winemaking.

Professional Reviewer

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The Wine Advocaterobertparker.com WA
Wine Spectatorwinespectator.com WS
James Sucklingjamessuckling.com JS
Wine Enthusiastwinemag.com WE
The Wine Independentthewineindependent.com TWI
Allen Meadows —Burghoundburghound.com BH
Connoisseur’s Guide to California Winecgcw.com CGCW
Wine & Spiritswineandspiritsmagazine.com W&S
The Tasting Paneltastingpanelmag.com TP
Antonio Galloni —Vinous Mediavinous.com VM
Jancis Robinsonjancisrobinson.com JR
Stephen TanzerInternational Wine Cellar — IWC
Jeb Dunnuckjebdunnuck.com JD
Decanter Magazinedecanter.com D
Jane Anson —Inside Bordeauxjaneanson.com JA

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Jancis Robinson (JR) • One of the World’s Most Respected Wine Writers •

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Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar (IWC) • No-Nonsense Wine Criticism •

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Jeb Dunnuck (JD) • Wine Critic with a Focus on Rhône and California Wines •

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