Review by Robert Parker
Rating: (95)
The 1999 Proprietary Red made from Cabernet Sauvignon with only a dollop of Cabernet Franc blended in, boasts a saturated purple color along with complex, smoky aromatics consisting of espresso, licorice, blackberry, cassis and mineral scents. It is full-bodied, with noticeable structure and a pure finish. The vintage’s cool climate tannins are obvious in this dramatic, beautifully made debut offering. It should be at its best between 2006-2016.
Wine Advocate # 142 (Aug. 2002)
I am including this review because the barrel sample of Blankiet’s 2000 was one of the single greatest young wines I have ever put in my mouth. There will be about 250 cases. This vineyard is owned by a French couple, Claude and Katherine Blankiet, who have a 15-acre hillside vineyard overlooking Dominus. Their debut release will be 100 cases of 1999, but they hope production will eventually attain 2,500-3,000 cases. This vineyard was developed by David Abreu, and the wine is made by Helen Turley. When the vineyard is in full production, this wine may include as much as 50% Cabernet Franc in the final blend. The 1999 is primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, with only a touch of Cabernet Franc in the final blend. It reveals a beautiful blackberry, smoke, espresso, and mineral-scented bouquet. Unctuously-textured and full-bodied, with admirable ripeness as well as richness. It is a superb debut effort that should last for two decades. Claude Blankiet believes in total dry farming of the vineyard as well as extremely low yields. As a side note, he was inspired to hire Helen Turley after tasting one of her Chardonnays…talk about a good palate.
Wine Advocate # 132 (Dec 2000)
