Blackbird Vineyards 2009 Contrarian 750ml

(41% cabernet franc, 35% cabernet sauvignon and 24% merlot; 4.03 pH): Bright red-ruby. Crushed blackberry, licorice and violet on the nose and palate. Denser than the Illustration and a bit less forthcoming today, offering a firm structure and serious tongue-dusting tannins. This very rich, long wine comes across as much more vibrant than its high pH would suggest. Impressive potential here.

Score: 92+ points -- Stephen Tanzer, Vinous, May 2012