Blackbird Vineyards
2013 Red Wine
Napa Valley AVA
Auction 19 | Lot No. 59
Vintage: 2013
Blackbird Vineyards
Red Wine
Napa Valley
5 cases produced
Highlights
- A single-barrel composition of Cabernet Franc and Merlot
- Sourced from prominent vineyard sites on the benches and mountains of the Napa Valley terrain
- The consistently mild temperatures of the growing season provided an optimal ripening environment
- Cooler temperatures in October allowed the fruit to stay on the vine longer for ideal flavor development
Description
This 2013 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. Cabernet Franc and Merlot 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.
Wine Facts
- 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.
Winebow
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New York NY 10001
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Other Premiere Napa Valley Wines available from Winebow:
| Winery | Vintage | Variety | Appellation | Fanciful | Auction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Round Pond Estate | 2016 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | SVS Gravel Series Blend | 22 (2018) |
| Stewart Cellars | 2016 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | NOMAD Heritage Blend | 22 (2018) |
| Blackbird Vineyards | 2015 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | Premiere Napa Valley Cuvee | 21 (2017) |
| Pine Ridge Vineyards | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 5x5 | 20 (2016) |
| Blackbird Vineyards | 2013 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | 19 (2015) | |
| Darioush | 2004 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 10 (2006) | |
| Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards | 1997 | Chardonnay | Los Carneros | Fournier Vineyards | 3 (1999) |
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)