Aviary Birds of Prey Red Blend 2023 750ml

Product Info

Terroir
“Birds of Prey” is sourced from vineyards across Napa Valley and neighboring cooler pockets of Northern California, selected for ripeness balanced by natural acidity. The core of the fruit comes from valley floor alluvial soils, where gravel and loam provide easy drainage and help the vines develop lush, dark-fruited concentration. Additional parcels from slightly elevated foothill sites contribute structure, firmer tannins, and spice. The 2023 growing season was defined by a long, even ripening window—no extreme heat spikes—which allowed varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to reach full phenolic maturity while preserving freshness. The result is a blend that feels ripe and generous, yet not overheated or heavy.

Winemaking & Technical Notes
Anchored by 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 36%  Merlot, 11% Zinfandel, 2% Malbec. The fruit undergoes fermentation in stainless steel for clarity of expression, followed by aging in a mix of French and American oak barrels. The oak influence focuses on adding warm spice, vanilla tone, and roundness, not aggressive toast or overt woodiness.
Alcohol generally falls in the 14%–14.5% range, contributing to the wine’s plush mid-palate. Tannins are handled gently to ensure approachability upon release—this wine is built to be open, expressive, and delicious now, not something requiring years of cellaring.

Tasting Notes
The nose opens with black cherry, ripe plum, and blueberry compote, layered with cedar, cocoa powder, and warm baking spices. On the palate, the wine is velvety and smooth, offering a generous wave of dark berry fruit balanced by subtle hints of espresso bean, vanilla, and dried sage. The tannins are rounded and fine-grained, giving the wine a supple, seamless texture. The finish is plush and lingering, echoing notes of dark chocolate and blackberry with just enough acidity to keep the wine lively rather than overly rich.

Food Pairing & Service
Serve at 60–65 °F (16–18 °C) in a standard Bordeaux glass. No decanting required, though a 15–20 minute air exposure will open the aromatics beautifully.
A natural partner for comfort-driven, richly flavored dishes:

• Grilled tri-tip with chimichurri
• Pulled pork sliders
• BBQ baby back ribs
• Stuffed portobello mushrooms with smoked mozzarella
• Aged cheddar or Gouda

Also excellent as a “fire pit, friends, and music” wine—easy to enjoy outside a formal meal setting.

Best drinking now through 2028 for peak expressiveness.