Beautiful aromas of blackberry, chocolate and some earth. Medium-bodied with fine tannins and a creamy-textured finish. Elegant and focused. A blend of 37% cabernet sauvignon, 27% merlot, 26% cabernet franc, 6% syrah and 4% petit verdot. Drink or hold.

Composed of 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Franc, 6% Syrah and 4% Petit Verdot, the deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Arise Proprietary Red strides boldly out of the glass with notes of ripe blackberries, Morello cherries and redcurrant jelly with hints of pencil shavings and fragrant earth. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has lovely tension and lots of crunchy black and red berry layers, framed by grainy tannins, finishing with an invigorating lift.

The 2018 Arise, the entry-level wine from Blackbird, is absolutely delicious. Crushed red/purplish berry fruit, mint, sage, licorice and mocha race out of the glass. Medium in body and beautifully perfumed, Arise is a terrific introduction to this lineup. -- Antonio Galloni

Dusty, herbal and black-fruited on the nose, with hints of graphite and pencil lead. The palate is silky, precise and doesn’t feel heavy-handed in the least. Despite the atypical cepage, a stellar value and an accurate representation of the 2018 vintage. 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot, with a somewhat curious addition of 6% Syrah. Drinking Window 2022 - 2026

Ripe and sleek in feel, with cassis and plum purée notes racing through, laced with black licorice and a kiss of sweet toast. A good graphite edge frames the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2030. – JM

The 2018 Arise Proprietary Red checks in as a blend of 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Syrah and Petit Verdot. Functioning as an entry level wine from this estate, it has impressive purity in its dark fruits, truffle, chocolate, and herbal aromas and flavors. Medium to full-bodied, nicely textured, and undeniably satisfying, I'd be happy to drink a glass any time over the coming 8-10 years or so.

Structured with sweet tannins, power and oak, this blend combines 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Franc, 6% Syrah and 4% Petit Verdot. Together they offer notes of black licorice, vanilla, currant and dark cherry, brooding and approachable. VIRGINIE BOONE