2011 Blackbird Paramour
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Tasting notes
(71% cabernet franc, 19% merlot and 10% cabernet sauvignon): Bright, dark red. Aromas and flavors of redcurrant, plum, mocha, spicecake, pipe tobacco and dried flowers. Broad, silky and generous for the vintage though not in a particularly fruity style. Plenty of density and sappiness here, and a firm spine for mid-term aging. Obvious spicy oak on the back end.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Dark plums, espresso, grilled herbs, tar and licorice meld together in the 2011 Paramour, Blackbird's Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend. In 2011, the Paramour is intense and brooding. The firm tannins need another year or two to soften, but the wine's balance is outstanding.
The dark plum/garnet/ruby-colored 2011 Proprietary Red Paramour exhibits its high percentage of Cabernet Franc (71%) blended with Merlot (19%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (10%). Earthy, floral, underbrush and forest floor notes compete with some background plum and cherry fruit in this medium-bodied, slightly angular and austere 2011. Without the fatness and the sweet mid-palate of the 2010, the 2011 is very good, but its vintage character comes through. 2011 was, of course, a much more challenging vintage, and these cuvees have slightly lower alcohols than in 2010. Tel. (707) 252-4444