Blackbird Vineyards
2011 Red Wine
Napa Valley AVA
Auction 17 | Lot No. 59
Vintage: 2011
Blackbird Vineyards
Red Wine
Napa Valley
5 cases produced
Description
This 2011 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.
Tasting Chart
| bone dry | very sweet | |
| light body | very full bodied | |
| soft, gentle |
|
very crisp |
| no tannins | heavy tannins | |
 |
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.
Meritage Wine Market
162 South Rancho Santa Fe Road Suite A-10
Encinitas CA 92024
760-479-2500
Other Premiere Napa Valley Wines available from Meritage Wine Market:
| Winery | Vintage | Variety | Appellation | Fanciful | Auction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morlet Family Vineyards | 2017 | Cabernet Franc | Oakville | Le Fabuleux Franc | 23 (2019) |
| Accendo Cellars | 2016 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 22 (2018) | |
| Rocca Family Vineyards | 2016 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Yountville | Grigsby Vineyard Old Vines Winemaker’s Barrel | 22 (2018) |
| Spoto Family Wines | 2016 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | Cession | 22 (2018) |
| Accendo Cellars | 2016 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 21 (2017) | |
| Arrow&Branch | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Beckstoffer Dr. Crane & Oakville Ranch | 20 (2016) |
| Barbour | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | St. Helena | Man Cave Blend | 20 (2016) |
| Chateau Boswell Winery | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 20 (2016) | |
| Coup De Foudre Winery | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Lightning Bolt | 20 (2016) |
| Freedom Estate Wine | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 20 (2016) | |
| Hiatus Cellars | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | THE FOUNDATION | 20 (2016) |
| Kale Wines | 2014 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | Broken Axle | 20 (2016) |
| Krupp Brothers | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | The Doctor & the Bandit | 20 (2016) |
| S. R. Tonella Cellars | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | 20 (2016) | |
| Tuck Beckstoffer Wines | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 20 (2016) | |
| Bell Wine Cellars | 2013 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | Clone 6, Ermitage Troncais | 19 (2015) |
| Davis Estates | 2013 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Phase V | 19 (2015) |
| Krupp Brothers | 2013 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Doctor's Orders | 19 (2015) |
| Memento Mori | 2013 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | RTL | 19 (2015) |
| Pahlmeyer | 2013 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 19 (2015) | |
| Renteria Wines | 2013 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Stags Leap District | Beller Bench Blend | 19 (2015) |
| VinRoc Wine Caves | 2013 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Atlas Peak | Coyote's Howl | 19 (2015) |
| Arkenstone Vineyards | 2012 | Cabernet Franc | Howell Mountain | Block 7 Upper Vineyard | 18 (2014) |
| Astrale e Terra | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Atlas Peak | Block 6/7 | 18 (2014) |
| Bell Wine Cellars | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | Clone 6, St. Martin Grande Reserve | 18 (2014) |
| Bennett Lane | 2012 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | 18 (2014) | |
| Croze | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | 18 (2014) | |
| Robert Craig Winery | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Howell Mountain | Upper Block | 18 (2014) |
| Spoto Wines | 2012 | Malbec | Oakville | 18 (2014) | |
| Sullivan Vineyards | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | 18 (2014) | |
| Terra Valentine | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Spring Mountain District | The Crown Jewel | 18 (2014) |
| THE GRADE Cellars | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Calistoga | THE MONEY BARREL | 18 (2014) |
| V12 Vineyards | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Twelve | 18 (2014) |
| ADAMVS | 2011 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Howell Mountain | Borne | 17 (2013) |
| Amuse Bouche Winery | 2011 | Merlot | Napa Valley | 17 (2013) | |
| Arkenstone Vineyards | 2011 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Howell Mountain | Block 1 Lower | 17 (2013) |
| Bennett Lane | 2011 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Calistoga | 17 (2013) | |
| Blackbird Vineyards | 2011 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | 17 (2013) | |
| Caspar Estate | 2011 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | 17 (2013) | |
| Cliff Lede Vineyards | 2011 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Stags Leap District | Wild Layla | 17 (2013) |
| Coho | 2011 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | Combination of the Two | 17 (2013) |
| Mario Bazán Cellars | 2011 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 17 (2013) | |
| Porter Family Vineyards | 2011 | Red Wine | Coombsville | Duet | 17 (2013) |
| Arietta | 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Against the Grain | 16 (2012) |
| Barbour Wines | 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon | St. Helena | Man Cave Blend III | 16 (2012) |
| Oakville East Exposure | 2010 | Cabernet Franc | Oakville | The Sun and The Moon | 16 (2012) |
| Oberon Wines | 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Three Elevations | 16 (2012) |
| Spring Mountain Vineyard | 2009 | Red Wine | Spring Mountain District | Elivette's Sister | 16 (2012) |
| TOR Kenward Family Wines | 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | 2010 TOR Cabernet Sauvignon, Beckstoffer To Kalon | 16 (2012) |
| Twomey Cellars | 2010 | Merlot | Napa Valley | SoCaRaNa | 16 (2012) |
| Buoncristiani Family Winery | 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | JAMN Black & Blue Blend | 15 (2011) |
| Continuum Estate | 2009 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | 15 (2011) | |
| Gargiulo Vineyards | 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | OVX vineyard | 15 (2011) |
| HALL | 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | Sacrashe Vineyard | 15 (2011) |
| Kenefick Ranch Winery | 2008 | Red Wine | Calistoga | Pickett Road Red | 15 (2011) |
| Longfellow Wine Company | 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Vineyard Select | 15 (2011) |
| Nickel & Nickel | 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon | St. Helena | Hayne Vineyard | 15 (2011) |
| Terra Valentine | 2009 | Cabernet Franc | Spring Mountain District | 15 (2011) | |
| Ahnfeldt Wines | 2008 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | Quid Pro Quo IV | 14 (2010) |
| Bennett Lane | 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Calistoga | Calistoga Appellation Lot | 14 (2010) |
| Elyse Winery | 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 14 (2010) | |
| Frank Family Vineyards | 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | Winston Hill Block 5 (Heart Block) | 14 (2010) |
| Hestan Vineyards | 2007 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | Stephanie Selection | 14 (2010) |
| Husic Vineyards | 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Stags Leap District | 14 (2010) | |
| Mi Sueño Winery | 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Selección Herrera | 14 (2010) |
| Ahnfeldt Wines | 2007 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | Quid Pro Quo III | 13 (2009) |
| Baldacci Family Vineyards | 2006 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Stags Leap District | First Born | 13 (2009) |
| Etude | 2007 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | Vine Hill Ranch | 13 (2009) |
| Page Wine Cellars | 2006 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Your Personal Stash | 13 (2009) |
| Palmaz Vineyards | 2007 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | The Ultimate High | 13 (2009) |
| Provenance Vineyards | 2007 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Three Palms Vineyard | 13 (2009) |
| Versant Vineyards | 2007 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 13 (2009) | |
| Viader Vineyards and Winery | 2007 | Petit Verdot | Napa Valley | 13 (2009) | |
| ZD Wines | Non-vintage | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Petit Abacus | 13 (2009) |
| Krupp Brothers | 2006 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 12 (2008) | |
| Mi Sueño Winery | 2005 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Carpignano Vineyard | 11 (2007) |
| Fantesca Estate and Winery | 2004 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Spring Mountain District | 10 (2006) | |
| Reynolds Family Winery | 2004 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Stags Leap District | 10 (2006) | |
| Rocca Family Vineyards | 2004 | Cabernet Sauvignon 50% Syrah 50% | Yountville | Temptress | 10 (2006) |
| ZD Wines | 2005 | Pinot Noir | Los Carneros | Haire Vineyard 667 | 10 (2006) |
| Bennett Lane | 2003 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Spring Mountain District | 9 (2005) | |
| Chappellet Winery and Vineyard | 2003 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 9 (2005) | |
| Miner Family Winery | 2003 | 60% Cabernet Franc and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 9 (2005) | |
| Provenance Vineyards | 2004 | Cabernet Sauvignon 75%/ Petit Verdot 25% | Oakville | 9 (2005) | |
| Thirteen Appellations | 2003 | Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot | Napa Valley | 9 (2005) | |
| Duckhorn Vineyards | 2002 | Merlot | Napa Valley | 25th Harvest Cuvee | 8 (2004) |
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)