Blackbird Vineyards
2010 Red Wine
"Proprietary"
Napa Valley AVA
Auction 16 | Lot No. 74
Vintage: 2010
Blackbird Vineyards
Red Wine
Napa Valley
5 cases produced
Description
This 2010 vintage bottling, crafted by winemaker Aaron Pott, represents the essence of Blackbird Vineyards’ Right Bank-inspired portfolio.
Our Premiere Napa Valley wine possesses both sensuality and commanding structure. Merlot and Cabernet Franc have a fragile but irresistible chemistry that flourishes when climate, soils and seasons align. The grapes allotted for this graceful red wine are grown in only the most auspicious conditions and reveal the passionate relationship between these two varietals and between winegrower and land. The Cabernet Franc grapes are harvested from the Stagecoach and Crocker Starr Vineyards while the Merlot is sourced from the Blackbird and Hudson Vineyard. This wine is an example of cool-climate and mountain viticulture at its finest.
Aaron Pott
Winemaker, Blackbird Vineyards
Aaron Pott’s curiosity in wine began at the young age of nine when he ordered a glass of milk in a venerable Parisian bistro. When the waiter responded—in halting perfect English—that “milk is for babies” and promptly produced a glass of watered down red, Pott realized that wine was a beverage of choice for adults and immersed himself in the world of wine trivia.
Studying oenology at the University of California, Davis, Pott delved into all aspects of the theory of winemaking, including practical application by working part-time in the research laboratory at Robert Mondavi Winery. He completed his education with a master’s degree in Viticulture from the Université de Bourgogne in Dijon, France.
Pott immediately took the position of assistant winemaker at Newton Vineyard, under Winemaker John Kongsgaard. It was at Newton—under the wing of his first great mentor—that Pott would be introduced to Michel Rolland. At many tastings with Kongsgaard and Rolland (set up by legendary wine collector Dade Thieriot), Pott tried to convince Rolland to find him a job in France—pulling hoses around a dark cellar and working on his language skills. Rolland soon sent word that he had found the ideal position—winemaker at Château Troplong Mondot, Premier Grand Cru Classé St. Emilion. Pott would thereafter become winemaker and general manager of Château La Tour Figeac Grand Cru Classé St. Emilion.
Pott worked for nearly six years making wine in France before returning to the States to take a position with Beringer Wine Estates. As a winemaker for the company’s international brands in France, Italy and South America, he had the pleasure to work with French Winemakers Jean-Louis Mandrau, formerly of Château Latour and André Porcheret, whose resume included the Hospice de Beaune and Domaine Leroy. Pott’s duties expanded in 2001 as winemaker at St. Clement in St. Helena. In 2004, he accepted the position as winemaker and general manager at Quintessa.
In 2007, Pott formed “Pott Wines” and is dedicated to consulting for a limited quantity of notable producers as well as making wines of his own. Currently, Pott is the consulting winemaker for Blackbird Vineyards, Seven Stones Winery, Bello Family Vineyards, Fisher Vineyards, Quixote, Krupp Brothers Estate (Stagecoach Vineyard), St. Helena Estate and Joseph Carr Wines.
Country born: United States
Education: U.C. Davis B.S., Universite de Bourgogne Masters, Mentors John Kongsgaard, Michel Rolland, Andre Porcheret, Jean-Louis Mandrau.
Years in the wine industry: 20-30 years
Honors / Awards:
2012 Winemaker of the Year - Food & Wine Magazine
Winemaking Philosophy:
Let the grapes express their true character in each bottle.
Petroleum Club
100 North Broadway
Oklahoma City OK 73102
405-232-1184
Other Premiere Napa Valley Wines available from Petroleum Club:
| Winery | Vintage | Variety | Appellation | Fanciful | Auction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buena Vista Winery | 2019 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Tribute | 25 (2021) |
| Darioush | 2019 | Red Wine | Mount Veeder | 25 (2021) | |
| Eleven Eleven | 2019 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley | Reserve | 25 (2021) |
| Grace Family Vineyards | 2019 | Cabernet Sauvignon | St. Helena | Grace Family Blend | 25 (2021) |
| Newton Vineyard | 2019 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Spring Mountain District | 25 (2021) | |
| Raymond Vineyards | 2019 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Five Generations | 25 (2021) |
| ZD Wines | Non-vintage | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Petit Abacus | 25 (2021) |
| AXR Napa Valley | 2018 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Sleeping Denali | 24 (2020) |
| Cliff Lede Vineyards | 2018 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Stags Leap District | California Thrill | 24 (2020) |
| Paula Kornell Sparkling Wine | 2018 | Sparkling Wine | Los Carneros | Something Old, Something New | 24 (2020) |
| Rombauer Vineyards | 2018 | Cabernet Sauvignon | St. Helena | Stice Lane | 24 (2020) |
| Vineyard 29 | 2018 | Cabernet Sauvignon | St. Helena | CEANDA ESTATE | 24 (2020) |
| Alpha Omega | 2017 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Dr. To Kalon | 23 (2019) |
| Darioush | 2017 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | Estate Blend | 23 (2019) |
| Frank Family Vineyards | 2017 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | Winston Hill Block 5 Heart Block | 23 (2019) |
| The Debate | 2017 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Elevate The Debate | 23 (2019) |
| Buena Vista Winery | 2016 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Diamond Mountain District | 22 (2018) | |
| Courtesan | Non-Vintage | Red Wine | Napa Valley | Veronica | 22 (2018) |
| Emerson Brown | 2016 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | 22 (2018) | |
| Darioush | 2015 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | Estate Blend | 21 (2017) |
| Davis Estates | 2015 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Behind the Red Velvet Ropes | 21 (2017) |
| Palmaz Vineyards | 2015 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Coombsville | Super Argentine | 21 (2017) |
| Summers Estate Wines | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Calistoga | 21 (2017) | |
| Blackbird Vineyards | 2014 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | 20 (2016) | |
| Chappellet Vineyard | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 20 (2016) | |
| The Debate | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 20 (2016) | |
| Hewitt Vineyard & Provenance Vineyards | 2013 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 19 (2015) | |
| Hudson Vineyards | 2013 | Chardonnay | Los Carneros | Alexander’s Field | 19 (2015) |
| Appellations | 2012 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | Brix and Mortar | 18 (2014) |
| Jones Family Vineyards | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Calistoga | 18 (2014) | |
| Alpha Omega | 2011 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | Beckstoffer Blend | 17 (2013) |
| Chimney Rock Winery | 2011 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Stags Leap District | Ganymede Vineyard Unfiltered | 17 (2013) |
| Hourglass | 2011 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 20/20 | 17 (2013) |
| Renteria Wines | 2011 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Stags Leap District | River Block Reserve | 17 (2013) |
| Schrader Cellars, LLC | 2011 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Double Diamond TFA Cuvée | 17 (2013) |
| Alpha Omega | 2010 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | Proprietary | 16 (2012) |
| Blackbird Vineyards | 2010 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | Proprietary | 16 (2012) |
| Levy and McClellan | 2010 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | 16 (2012) | |
| Shafer Vineyards | 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Stags Leap District | Sunspot Vineyard | 16 (2012) |
| Thirteen Appellations | 2010 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | 16 (2012) | |
| Elyse Winery | 2009 | Grenache | Los Carneros | 15 (2011) | |
| Lail Vineyards | 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Henry II | 15 (2011) |
| Martin Estate | 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | 15 (2011) | |
| Paraduxx | 2008 | Red Wine | Howell Mountain | 14 (2010) | |
| Renteria Wines | 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Vintner’s Cuvée | 14 (2010) |
| Revana Family Vineyard | 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon | St. Helena | Premiere Cuvee | 14 (2010) |
| Silver Oak Cellars | 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | A Tale of Two Ranches | 14 (2010) |
| Twomey Cellars | 2008 | Cabernet Franc | Napa Valley | SCR | 14 (2010) |
| Anomaly Vineyards | 2007 | Cabernet Sauvignon | St. Helena | Randy's Reserve | 13 (2009) |
| Cliff Lede Vineyards | 2007 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Stags Leap District | Wild Roxanne | 13 (2009) |
| Jones Family Vineyards | 2007 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 13 (2009) | |
| Martin Estate | 2007 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | Puerta Dorada Vineyard | 13 (2009) |
| Miner Family Winery | 2007 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 13 (2009) | |
| Paraduxx | 2007 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | Monitor Ledge Vineyard | 13 (2009) |
| Rombauer Vineyards | 2007 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Atlas Peak | 13 (2009) | |
| Darioush | 2006 | 85% Cabernet Sauvginon, 15% Malbec | Napa Valley | Apadana Block-Estate | 11 (2007) |
| J. Davies Vineyards | 2005 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Diamond Mountain District | Jack's Block | 11 (2007) |
| Rombauer Vineyards | 2005 | Cabernet Sauvignon | St. Helena | Stice Lane Block D Barrel Ferment Puncheon | 11 (2007) |
| Thirteen Appellations | 2005 | Napa Valley Red Wine | Napa Valley | Fourteen | 11 (2007) |
| Clark-Claudon Vineyards | 2004 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 10 (2006) | |
| Rombauer Vineyards | 2004 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Estate Blend | 10 (2006) |
| Summers Estate Wines | 2003 | Cabernet Sauvignon 90%, Merlot 10% | Napa Valley | 10 (2006) | |
| Paraduxx | 2003 | Zinfandel (65%) Cabernet Sauvignon (35%) | Napa Valley | 9 (2005) | |
| Rombauer Vineyards | 2003 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Stags Leap District | 9 (2005) | |
| Sterling Vineyards | 2004 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Diamond Mountain District | 9 (2005) | |
| Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards | 2002 | Merlot (60%)/Cabernet Franc (40%) | Napa Valley | 8 (2004) | |
| CONSTANT | 2002 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Diamond Mountain District | Liquid Fantasy No. 2121 | 8 (2004) |
| Darioush | 2002 | 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc | Napa Valley | Darius | 8 (2004) |
| Luna Vineyards | 2002 | 45% Sangiovese, 42% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Canto | 8 (2004) |
| Cakebread Cellars | 2000 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | Vine Hill | 6 (2002) |
| Clos Pegase | 2000 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Los Carneros | Graveyard Hill, Backside | 6 (2002) |
| Luna Vineyards | 2000 | Sangiovese | Napa Valley | Riserva - Barrel Select | 6 (2002) |
Winery Distribution
Blackbird Vineyards is distributed in the following markets. Please contact the winery directly for the most up-to-date distribution information and to explore commercial opportunities.
Domestic:
- California (DTC)
International:
- Canada - Alberta (Vintage West Wine Marketing)
- Canada - British Columbia (Vintage West Wine Marketing)
- Canada - Manitoba (Vintage West Wine Marketing)
- Canada - Ontario (LCBO)
- Canada - Quebec (SAQ)
- Caribbean (West Indies Co. (St. Thomas, USVI))
- China (ESC Wine Group / The Drinkery)
- Japan (CWC Limited)
- Philippines (Premium Wine Exchange)
- Puerto Rico (Pan American Wine & Spirits)
- Singapore (Wine Hours)
- South Korea (Vino Paradise)
- United Kingdom (The Wine Treasury)