Blackbird Vineyards, Paramour Napa Valley Proprietary Red, 2017

Blackbird Vineyards was founded in 2003 by Michael Polenske, a former investment banker who transitioned into the world of "bespoke" lifestyle and art. The winery is named after the Merlot grape; in French patois, merle means "little blackbird," a nod to the birds that loved to eat the ripening dark fruit. The estate is located in the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley, an area whose clay and gravel soils mirror those of Pomerol, France. Since 2006, the wines have been crafted by renowned winemaker Aaron Pott, who spent years in Saint-Émilion refining his mastery of Cabernet Franc and Merlot. This name of the wine is a direct reference to the Beatles’ song "Blackbird," symbolising the brand's aspiration for its wines to "soar" and elevate the consumer's experience. The blend is made up of 56% Cabernet Franc, 41% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Merlot. It is oaked for 21 months in French Oak, 75% new, with the remaining 25% seasoned in second-use barrels to ensure the wood does not overpower the fruit. On the nose, the 2017 vintage offers a sophisticated bouquet of black cherry, dried lavender, and tobacco leaf. The palate is medium-to-full-bodied, characterised by silky tannins and a vibrant acidity that carries flavours of plum, cocoa nibs, and a touch of graphite. It is remarkably balanced, leaning more towards European elegance than Californian "fruit-bomb" intensity. Serve this alongside a roast rack of lamb with a rosemary and garlic crust to complement the wine's herbaceous Cabernet Franc notes.