Blackbird Vineyards ‘Arise’ Red Blend 2018
Named in dedication to the Paul McCartney/Beatles song.
Unmistakable Napa on the nose with rich dark fruits and floral notes rising from the glass. A delightful richness on the palate will assuredly put a smile on your face. There is an abundance of black fruits and chocolate with secondary notes of red currents, mint, and spices to round things out. The flavor profile draws down on the contributing blend varietals of 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Syrah and Petit Verdot. This ticks all the boxes and is a pleasure to drink without being overripe or jammy.
Cellar out to 2030 without a problem.
Pair with Prime Rib, Most meat dishes, especially from the grill.
Taub Rutherford Cabernet 2017
Over the past 10 years, Taub has always been a favorite topic of mine. Great vineyard sites, great wines, and their Rutherford Cabernet releases have never disappointed me.
Does this make me biased, maybe a little, but one sip and I am sure you will agree with me. Such concentration, body, structure, and minerality.
This is a classic example of why I love Rutherford wines so much.
Enticing, seductive notes of dark cherries, plums, blackberries, blueberries, mint, and of course some mandatory Rutherford Dust thrown in for good measure. The palate is smooth and inviting and has so much going on- excellent depth and complexity.
Almost seamless layers of Blueberries, blackcurrant, dark cherries, dark chocolate, and coffee, with secondary notes of vanilla, dried herbs, and of course Rutherford dust. Great on the initial tasting but so much better after it’s been open for some time. I recorked it and tasted it the second day and it absolutely rocked, so much better- give it 3 – 4 hours in a decanter and you will thank me for the suggestion.
Cellar time: I would give this another 6 – 8 years,
Food pairing should include your favorite red-meat dish, Rib Eye Steak in particular, Meat-based Pizza, and Pasta, Chicken with Mushrooms and, tomato-based sauces.
Only 250 cases were made.
And now for ‘Big Brother’ …
Taub Beckstoffer Georges III Cabernet 2017
This is one of my all-time favorite wines out of Napa. When you see Beckstoffer on any label it guarantees a quality wine. When you add into the mix Tom Hinde and Darren, Taub’s two resident winemakers, all the boxes get ticked.
I have been fortunate to taste the last 6 vintages and it has never disappointed me, given 2017 vintage was questioned by some, it has an amazing track record. 2017 defied logic, the driest season on record that produced wines of immense size, depth, and complexity with impressive responses from the industry and wine drinkers alike.
The nose is impressive from the start with blueberries, cherries, and black raspberries dominating with just a hint of dark chocolate and Rutherford Dust.
The palate is silky smooth, generous, and inviting, delivering all the aromas with additional layers of plums, dark chocolate, and just a hint of spices. Impressive balance, with elegance and restraint on full display. Nice long finish with tannins in check.
Cellar out to 2030 and beyond will bring rewards.
Pairings should include Ribeye Steak, any meat dish with rosemary, roasted vegetables including potatoes with rosemary, roasted duck, and for dessert, anything with dark chocolate.
Vine to Table 
These keep getting better and better.
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Thanks George, been a busy month tasting wine. Cheers
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