As you probably know, one of my jobs is to share the wines of the world that are not only delicious to consume, but also exude value. An exciting brand with some serious potential, Blackboard is from the Matthews family of wines which is run by the Otis family. In early January of 2022 Blackboard announced the hiring of a new winemaker, Soren Dietz. Soren Dietz. Soren comes from the Napa Valley, having previous stints at Paul Hobbs and Faust, as well as other wineries in Australia.
They also announced that they had invested $450,000.00 back into the local farming community which is pretty impressive. Blackboard is a brand that gives back and they have mentioned that the more wines that are purchased, the more they donate back into educational non-profits. Blackboard has partnered with Winebow in Washington and is also available now in 18 other states. In terms of tasting these, they are being poured at the Jaine Tasting Room in Woodinville.
I think that these wines will be a bit with the consumer and I was certainly impressed with the inaugural wines by Soren Dietz. Do not miss out on the 2020 Blackboard Red Wine (OB, 92) which is a delicious wine that is best consumed over the next few years. This impresses most with balance, as you can really see the moving pieces here, showing no rough edges. Learn more about these great value wines at blackboardwines.com and here are my reviews of the new 2020 Blackboard wines.
2020 Blackboard Cabernet Sauvignon- Coming fro the Soaring Eagle, McNary and Four Feathers Vineyards, this blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon with 11% Merlot and 3% Pete Verdot was aged for three months in 60% new French oak before bottling. Ripe black plum with cocoa powder and suggestions of baking spices all come together on the palate, with bright underlying acidity. Enjoy this really good value now and over the next several years. Drink 2023-2028- 91
2020 Blackboard Red Wine- The excellent 2020 Blackboard Red Wine combines 63% Cabernet Sauvignon with 34% Merlot and the rest Petit Verdot. Stored in 60% new French oak for three months, this offers medium-bodied red cherry candy, dates, and cloves alongside coffee ground underpinnings on the palate. Very soft, clean and balanced, this is delicious stuff where everything comes together very neat and tidy. Great in the short-term this is a massive success considering the challenges of the vintage. Drink 2023-2028- 92
2020 Blackboard Merlot- This 2020 Merlot has 17% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot blended in. Coming from the Soaring Eagle, McNary and Four Feathers vineyards, this shows off medium-bodied red raspberry, black tea and garrigue notes on the palate, with hints of Arabica bean. Enjoy this excellent value Merlot now and over the next five years. Drink 2023-2028- 91