This seductive rosé of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc exhibits a youthful, pink color. On the nose, cherry and red currant aromas complement enticing notes of strawberry, peach, and pear. The 2009 Arriviste displays a mid-palate that is rich and creamy and carries a bright acidity on to the lingering strawberry finish.

Purchased by Michael Polenske in 2003, Blackbird Vineyards is now an ultra premium label. Fittingly, the word 'Merlot' is French patois for 'little blackbird.' Blackbird Vineyards' winemaking team has handcrafted truly expressive wines with a focus on the varieties of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The winery's portfolio reflects artisanal, terroir-driven wines of pedigree with each vintage. Blackbird Vineyards' approach to winemaking involves intensive, hands-on, "best practice" techniques to achieve the highest representation of terroir. These combined efforts serve to achieve wines of great complexity, richness of fruit, and overall distinction. Blackbird Vineyards is using sustainable farming methods.
Winery

Technical notes

Composition Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. Vineyard Characteristics Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley. Vineyard is planted east to west, I is home to gravelly, clay loam soils. The Haire-type soil holds moisture deep in the ground, allowing Blackbird to be virtually dry-farmed. Alcohol 13.5%.