Blackbird Vineyards was founded in 1999 as a vineyard providing grapes to Napa winemakers. In 2003 it was purchased by Michael Polenske who started making and selling Blackbird wines. The wines are generally Merlot or Cabernet Franc-based and inspired by the great wines of the Pomerol, and in fact the word “merlot” is French slang for “little blackbird.” Polenske is an entrepreneur with financial interests in restaurants, wineries and other parts of the leisure and hospitality industries. The 10-acre Oak Knoll District vineyard is planted 100% to Merlot. There are additional vineyards in Carneros, St. Helena and other parts of Napa Valley. Blackbird wines often earn ratings in the 90s. Wine Spectator called the 2010 Paramour “elegant, graceful, deftly balanced.”