Blackbird, Napa Valley (California) 2008

 Winemaker Aaron Pott is among the Napa Valley’s most accomplished devotees of the Bordeaux-style blends. He learned long ago, while working as a winemaker in Saint-Emilion, that Cabernet Sauvignon needn’t be the backbone of every great wine that is based upon the Bordeaux grape varieties. That’s almost heresy in Napa, where Cab is king, but the proof is in the bottle. Blackbird’s Arise, one of a number of Bordeaux-style blends from this producer, is Merlot- and Cabernet Franc-dominant, with a mere 38 percent of the blend given over to Cabernet Sauvignon. This beautiful wine exudes dark-fruited aromas, with a leafy note no doubt from the Cab Franc, in a richly layered, supple wine that can be drunk now with great satisfaction. Or set it aside for additional aging that will only enhance an already delicious brew.