Blackbird Vineyards "Illustration" Proprietary Red Wine 2011 (Napa Valley, California) - [WE 93] [AG 91] [ST 90(+?)]

Notes from the Winemaker: "The 2011 Illustration demonstrates elegant notes of cinnamon and black licorice, with opulent red fruit and iris aromas. The softly-structured mid-palate offers great density and abundant flavors of black cherry, tobacco and cedar. The finish is persistent in length with sophisticated tannins leading to a smooth mouth feel. Drinking well upon release, Illustration will age beautifully with time in the cellar. The cooler-than-normal 2011 Napa Valley grapegrowing season concluded in an expedited harvest. The outcome was a vintage with flavors developed at lower brix, resulting in truly elegant wines with European-style texture and great complexity." — Winemaker, Aaron Pott Ratings & Reviews 93 Points - Wine Enthusiast Magazine:"Based on Merlot, this Right Bank-style Bordeaux blend has rich, instantly likeable flavors of cherries, currants, cocoa, green olives and violets. New oak plays a prominent role, both in toasty flavors and in wood tanni