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. (LPB)

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. (AG)

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. (ML)