Blackbird Vineyards is an Oakville estate producing Right Bank-inspired Bordeaux blends with an emphasis on Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec — a distinctly unconventional focus for Napa Valley. Founded by Michael Polenske, Blackbird farms organically and crafts wines of extraordinary elegance and complexity that challenge the assumption that Napa Valley is only about Cabernet Sauvignon. Their Arriviste, Illustration, and Paramour blends are among the most compelling wines in the valley.