Blackbird Vineyards Introduces Its Sixth Highly Anticipated Release, 2008 Arise

September 30, 2010 - Blackbird Vineyards, one of Napa Valley's pre-eminent producers of ultra-premium Merlot-based wines, today announced the release of its highly anticipated 2008 Arise on September 1, 2010.

A blend of 42% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc, 2008 Arise is the most aspiring wine in the Blackbird Vineyards repertoire. Harvested, vinified, and barrel-aged with an identical commitment to quality and elegance as Blackbird's core wines, every vintage of this Bordeaux-inspired blend is hand-tuned to express the luscious flavors and lithe structure that only comes from exceptional fruit. 2008 Arise captures the essence of Napa Valley's unique terroir.

Blackbird winemaker Aaron Pott's meticulous techniques are paying off once again. "The 2008 Arise is showing beautifully already, with extraordinary structure and finesse," he says. "It begins with complex aromatics of cherry, plum, bacon, tobacco, and subtle mint. We aged it in 65 French Oak barrels for 19 months, so it shows a well-integrated palate presenting enticing flavors of cedar, earth, and toffee within multiple layers of rich, black fruits. Right now, it's showing the Merlot aspect of its pedigree very intensely - the spice reminds me of a Moroccan bazaar, or perhaps a Moorish come-hither quality." 1,570 cases were produced. 2008 Arise retails for $50 per bottle.

"The 2008 vintage was an unusual one because of varied weather conditions which created the lowest yield we have ever had, but that led to a great concentration and intensity of flavor in smaller berries," reports Pott.

The Blackbird vineyard, a 10-acre estate vineyard which produces exceptional Merlot in the Oak Knoll District, offers a perfect convergence of growing conditions and produces exceptional fruit coveted for its rich character and elegant charm. In addition to the Blackbird vineyard, the winemaking team devotedly sources fruit of comparable quality from premium vineyard sources throughout Napa Valley. These vineyards are hand-selected for their ability to produce exceptional fruit quality with each vintage. Currently, Blackbird Vineyards welcomes guests at Ma(i)sonry Napa Valley in Yountville to taste and acquire their portfolio of wines.

About Blackbird Vineyards

Founded in 2003 by Michael Polenske, Blackbird Vineyards is an artisanal producer of Pomerol-inspired wines from the Napa Valley. Planted in 1997, the estate vineyard is located in the heart of the Oak Knoll District-a region appreciated for its moderate climate and deep, gravelly soils. The vineyard's valley floor topography presents optimum growing conditions for Winemaker Aaron Pott to produce elegantly styled, appropriately balanced red wines that offer short- and long-term cellaring potential. Limited quantities are available through an allocated mailing list direct from the winery and in the finer restaurants and hotels around the world. Please visit Blackbird at www.blackbirdvineyard.com.

About Ma(i)sonry Napa Valley

Restored in 2008 by Blackbird Vineyards' Proprietor Michael Polenske, this historic 1904 stone building serves as a stylized backdrop for Ma(i)sonry Napa Valley-"a life aesthetic." As an art, design, and collective wine-tasting gallery among an outdoor sculpture garden, Ma(i)sonry offers guests a differentiated lifestyle experience in wine country. Located in Yountville-a world-class culinary, wine, and tourism destination- Ma(i)sonry Napa Valley features a rotating collection of limited-production wines and internationally renowned art and furnishings to appreciate and acquire. Guests are welcome to peruse Ma(i)sonry's galleries seven days a week, with seasonal evening appointments until 10 p.m. For more information, please visit www.maisonry.com.<