Blackbird Soars

The video goddesses at WinePeeks.TV, the web’s “exclusive wine video channel”, introduced us earlier this week to two gentlemen creating quite a buzz in Napa Valley’s Oak Knoll District and considerably beyond.

Coming soon, we’ll share a video peek at a conversation with Blackbird Vineyards proprietor Michael Polenske (far left) during his recent visit to the Chicago area. (We’re also about to launch Hinsdale Cellars’ new video wine tasting series. Stay tuned.). Off camera, we chatted with Blackbird’s new chief operating officer/chief marketing officer Paul Leary (second from left), former VP of marketing at Duckhorn.

The quick background for those who have been denied the Blackbird experience is this: investment management guru Polenske acquired the vineyards in 2003. Prior to his purchase, the fruit produced there was sold to artisan winemakers. Polenske’s vision was to elevate Blackbird to premium label status and establish the gold standard for Oak Knoll Merlot. In short order, he has achieved just that with the help of winemaker Sarah Gott (Phelps, Quintessa, Joel Gott).

The 2004 Blackbird Oak Knoll Proprietary Red is rated 92 points by Vinfolio’s Doug Wilder, and earned distinction as the lone red wine choice for Vanity Fair’s 2007 Oscar night party last February. At Premiere Napa Valley shortly thereafter, a Merlot-based 2005 Proprietary Red was presented as a five-case lot during the prestigious annual auction and sold for $18,000.

Next, Polenske, an investor in several luxury lifestyle properties and dining locations (i.e., Soho House, Manhattan), has also turned his attention to Argentina and a fascinating project known as The Vines of Mendoza. Individuals and wine entities can join The Vines as private members who own sections of various vineyards, and have access to wine storage and a five-star resort scheduled to open its doors in 2008. Sounds like a journey to Argentina’s Uco Valley needs to happen sooner than later.

– Steve Woodward