Blackbird Vineyards
2022 Merlot
"Star Coach"
Napa Valley AVA
Auction 28 | Lot No. 22
Vintage: 2022
Blackbird Vineyards
Merlot
Napa Valley
5 cases produced
Highlights
- Flavors of plum, cocoa, coffee and cherry with supple tannins lead to a rich finish
- Meot was sourced from our estate vineyard with the Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon coming from Atlas Peak and Stagecoach vineyards
- 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon
- Slow fermentation with extended maceration; 45 days to completion
Description
Every element of this multi-faceted wine draws inspiration from its principally Merlot composition. Blended specially for Premiere Napa Valley, the 2022 vintage challenges the notion that Cabernet Sauvignon is the only age-worthy red wine crafted in Napa Valley.
Your wine is a rich red exuding aromas of coffee, black cherry and black licorice, with a hint of porcini mushrooms on the pallet. Well-paired with an array of cuisine, this wine will be the perfect accompaniment to any evening.
Wine Facts
- Wine is unfiltered
- Sustainably produced
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.
Aficionado's Wine & Spirits
#39 Frances Street Amelia Industrial Park Suite 102
Guaynabo PR 00968
Puerto Rico
787-775-8060
Other Premiere Napa Valley Wines available from Aficionado's Wine & Spirits:
| Winery | Vintage | Variety | Appellation | Fanciful | Auction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blackbird Vineyards | 2022 | Merlot | Napa Valley | Star Coach | 28 (2024) |
| CourAvant | 2023 | Red Table Wine | St. Helena | 28 (2024) | |
| Erikson & Caradin | 2021 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Yountville | Ivy & Thistle | 28 (2024) |
| Force & Grace | 2022 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 28 (2024) | |
| Krupp Brothers | 2022 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Blue Eagle | 28 (2024) |
| VinRoc | 2022 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Atlas Peak | Red Lava | 28 (2024) |
| World's End | 2021 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 28 (2024) | |
| Gamble Family Vineyards | 2022 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | New Beginnings | 27 (2023) |
| Hesperian Wines | 2021 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Atlas Peak | KITOKO VINEYARDS | 27 (2023) |
| Volker Eisele Family Estate | 2021 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Chiles Valley District | 27 (2023) | |
| Foley Johnson | 2019 | Red Table Wine | Rutherford | Estate Meritage | 26 (2022) |
| Priest Ranch | 2019 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Everest Select | 26 (2022) |
| Rubia Wine Cellars | 2021 | Petit Verdot | Napa Valley | Martinez Vineyard | 26 (2022) |
| Ehlers Estate | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | St. Helena | 18 (2014) |
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)