The 2017 Proprietary Red Paradise Hills Vineyard is super-expressive and classy from start to finish. Inky black cherry, plum, graphite, menthol and licorice all come together nicely in the glass for an overall impeccable impression. Medium in body and quite graceful, the 2017 shows beautifully, even in the early going. This is a decidedly laid-back style, but it all works nicely. Aromatic, savory and highly delineated, the 2017 Proprietary Red is one of the successes of the year.

The 2017 Proprietary Red, Paradise Hills Vineyard is sensational. The Blankiet’s and winemaker Graeme MacDonald decided not to bottle the flagship Mythicvs and rather blend the juice into the Proprietary Red, it was a decision that looks to have paid off. This exceptional red instantly begins to impress with its wonderful purity, as it releases gorgeous aromas of dark cherries and red currants along with spring flowers, graphite, spices and licorice nuances that all emerge beautifully from the glass. The medium/full body is impeccably structured and well-defined, with outstanding overall balance and finesse. It goes on to impress as it displays remarkable elegance and poise all the way through the long graceful finish. This is an absolutely magnificent wine that is striking now, but should become even more compelling as it evolves over time.

The 2016 ‘Prince of Hearts’ Rosé is utterly captivating. Cold fermented in 100% new French barrels and aged for a year prior to bottling, this begins with gorgeous aromas of white peach and tropical fruits, woven together with citrus, dried herbs and minerals.

The 2016 ‘Prince of Hearts’ Red is absolutely fabulous. Composed of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and the remainder Petit Verdot, all aged 18 months in 50% new French oak. Currently the most accessible of the Estates releases in 2016, this stunning red opens to gorgeous aromatics of red currants and ripe cherries combine with fresh cut florals, spices, licorice, graphite and hints of tobacco, which all emerge gracefully from the glass.

The 2016 ‘Mythicus’ is a completely captivating wine that doesn’t miss a beat. Composed entirely of Cabernet Sauvignon from the Paradise Hills Vineyard this instantly begins to impress with its striking aromas of red and dark currants, fresh spring florals, spices, graphite with underling tobacco leaf nuances.

The 2016 ‘Rive Droite’ is made from predominately Merlot with a touch of Cabernet Franc and it is a total beauty that exudes striking class and refinement. It instantly begins to impress with its stunning aromatics of red and dark currants which are woven together with fresh spring florals, spices, licorice, herbs and tobacco to form the gorgeous perfumed nose.

The 2016 Paradise Hills Vineyard Proprietary Red is an utterly fascinating wine that is all about structure, balance and refinement. Composed of Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot this dazzling red opens to aromas of red currants, ripe dark plums, spring flowers, spices, graphite and hints of licorice that all come together in the glass.

The 2016 Prince of Hearts Red is based on 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and the balance Petit Verdot, all aged 18 months in 50% new French oak. It’s another seamless, elegant wine from the estate that has remarkable complexity in its sandalwood, spice box, chocolate, and cassis and blueberry-like fruits. Hitting the palate with full-bodied richness, a seamless texture, and ultra-fine tannins, it can be drunk today or cellared for 15+ years. It’s another beautiful wine from this team that has both power and finesse.

Pure perfection, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Mythicvs is all Cabernet Sauvignon from the Paradise Hills Vineyard in Yountville that spent 18 months in 100% new French oak. This monumental effort offers up incredible notes of blueberries, violets, ground herbs, graphite, and spice, and it changes and evolves beautifully with time in the glass. Deep, full-bodied, refined, and seamless, it cuts a focused path across the palate and carries incredible amounts of fruit and richness while staying seamless, elegant, and finesse-driven. It’s already impossible to resist, but it will benefit from short-term cellaring and cruise for 2-3 decades. Hats off to winemaker Graeme MacDonald.

The 2016 Rive Droite Paradise Hills Vineyard, Blankiet’s Merlot-based wine, is magnificent today. Merlot can be very quirky in its youth, especially when just bottled, but the Rive Droite is incredibly expressive, which provides a great opportunity to see its potential. Rich and boisterous in the glass, with tremendous textural resonance, the Rive Droite is gorgeous. Readers should plan on cellaring the 2016 for at least a handful of years. I don’t see the 2016 ready to offer its best drinking any time soon.

The 2016 Proprietary Red Paradise Hills Vineyard is magnificent. Deep and expressive on the palate, the 2016 possesses tremendous intensity but delivered in an understated voice. Dark cherry, plum, mocha, new leather and spice develop with time, but it is the wine’s total sense of poise that once again is truly impressive. All the elements are simply in the right place. The 2016 is a total stunner, but the best is yet to come.

Blankiet’s 2016 Prince of Hearts is bright, lifted and precise, especially for a wine at this level. The higher presence of Cabernet Sauvignon in this vintage gives the Prince of Hearts a slightly more tense feel than has been the case in some recent years. Bright red cherry, rose petal, mint and blood orange all run through this super-refined, brilliant entry-level offering. Readers who can find the 2016 are in for a real treat, as the wine is truly special. From a stylistic perspective, Prince of Hearts is more closely aligned with the rest of the range than it has been in the recent past. Prince of Hearts remains the largest production wine at the estate and a reminder of Claude and Katherine Blankiet’s total commitment to bottling only the best in their flagship wines.

The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Mythicus Paradise Hills Vineyard is a total stunner and one of the great wines of the vintage. Time in barrel has done wonders to marry all the elements. Gracious and soft-spoken, with superb textural finesse, the 2016 captures all the best qualities of this site. Readers should expect a mid-weight, polished Cabernet that is more about persistence than impact. Time in the glass brings out hints of cedar, tobacco and scorched earth and yet the 2016 remains powerful, virile and in need of cellaring. The track record for the 100% Cabernet Sauvignon Mythicus is short, but even in the first few vintages I have seen this wine shut down pretty hard after bottling. Readers should be in no rush to open bottles.

Mythicvs 2015 is spellbinding stuff that offers incredible purity in its crème de cassis, white chocolate, crushed rocks and graphite aromas and flavors. This beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a stacked mid-palate, an integrated acidity, and again, sensational purity of fruit. As polished and seamless as they come.

The ultra-sensuous Rive Droite reveals gorgeous nose of allspice, cinnamon, dried roses and lavender, blueberry compote and mulberries. This elegant, beautifully poised palate, black fruits is framed by firm yet oh-so lively grained tannins. Finishing long and softly spoken. Very classy wine!

Once again, the 2016 Rive Droite seems quite marked by its Cabernet Franc, especially in its aromatics. A powerful yet beautifully layered wine, the 2016 appears to have a very bright future. As with the 2015, the tannins here are quite imposing and are likely to require quite some time to soften.

The 2016 Proprietary Red exudes a measure of depth and intensity I don’t recall seeing here in the past. A rush of black cherry, plum, graphite, lavender, spice and menthol make a strong opening statement. Plush, dark and explosive to its core, the 2016 possesses remarkable balance, not to mention tons of class. Time in the glass brings out the wine’s aromatic signatures even further. This is a hugely promising wine from Claude and Katherine Blankiet.

Blankiet’s 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Mythicus is fabulous. Deep and unctuous in the glass, with exceptional harmony, the 2016 is shaping up to be a jewel of a wine. Today, the 2016 is remarkably primary, with little in the way of aromatic development. Even so, its persistence and overall balance are those of a truly world-class Cabernet Sauvignon. Don’t miss it.

The 2015 Rive Droite is the most reticent of these 2015s today. In 2015, the Rive Droite has more structure and power than is typically the case, which may be a result of the higher percentage of Cabernet Franc in the blend. I imagine the 2015 is going to need at least a number of years in bottle to be at its best. There is plenty of intrigue, with myriad savory notes that emerge over time. Even so, patience will be rewarded. The 2015 Rive Droite is a fabulous wine by any measure.

The 2015 Proprietary Red is a model of total elegance and finesse. Lifted and aromatically expressive, but also quite deep, the 2015 is another wine that is surprisingly fresh and vibrant. Aromatically expressive and nuanced, the 2015 is silky and plush on the palate, yet also remains remarkably light on its feet. This is one of the most exquisitely beautiful, riveting wines I have tasted from Claude and Katherine Blankiet.

Blankiet’s 2015 Prince of Hearts is bright, floral and very nicely lifted for the year. Succulent yet very much medium in body, the 2015 is a gorgeous wine to drink now and over the next handful of years. Prince of Hearts remains one of the very finest values in artisan Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

A stunning, vibrant wine, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Mythicus exudes class from the very first taste. The flavors are bright, vibrant and nuanced in this impeccably balanced, refined wine. All of the elements simply come together effortlessly. Time in the glass seems to bring out the wine’s latent power and sheer textural resonance. Dark cherry, plum, lavender and grilled herbs build into the dramatic, powerful vintage. Stated simply, Mythicus is one of the wines of the 2015 vintage. Don’t miss it.

The 2014 Blankiet Estate Proprietary Red from the Paradise Hills Vineyard is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Essentially their flagship wine, they make 840 cases of this cuvée, which is a serious wine for collectors and classicists. It is dense purple in color, with loads of crème de cassis, graphite and forest floor notes, some unsmoked cigar tobacco and, like so many 2014s, a voluptuous, full-bodied texture, plush tannins and a silky finish. Drink it over the next two decades.

The 2014 Proprietary Red Paradise Hills Vineyard is dark, sensual and inviting. Black cherry, mocha, plum, menthol, licorice and mint opens up in the wine’s aromatics, but it is the polish and total finesse of the tannins that truly stand out. I expect the 2014 will drink well with minimal cellaring. This is a striking wine from Claude and Katherine Blankiet.

Blankiet’s 2014 Rive Droite Paradise Hills Vineyard is just as impressive from bottle as it was from barrel. Dark, rich and inviting, the 2014 wraps around the palate with pure sensuality and class. Dark stone fruit, smoke, mocha and espresso are all fused together in a deep, beautifully layered wine. The 2014 is at once rich but not at all heavy. In many ways, it captures the very best the vintage has to offer.

The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Mythicus, Blankiet’s 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, is another strong wine. Restrained and polished, but with plenty of supporting tannin, the 2014 is shaping up to be another strong wine. Today, the Mythicus is not as different from the Proprietary Red, but it is also tightly wound following its recent bottling. I expect the 2014 will blossom with time in bottle.

The 2014 Prince of Hearts is fabulous. Soft, open-knit and expressive, the Prince of Hearts is one of the more gracious wines readers will find in this vintage. Expressive floral and red-toned fruit notes give the 2014 its feminine, sensual personality. This is one of the finest Napa Valley wines readers will find in its price range.

Another compelling wine was the 2012 Rive Droite, which is Blankiet’s homage to Right Bank Pomerols from Bordeaux. A blend of 95.8% Merlot and 4.2% Cabernet Franc, there are 380 cases of this sexpot of a wine. This could easily be mistaken for a Napa Valley version of Petrus. Loads of mulberry fruit, licorice, crème de cassis, mocha and toffee are present in this huge, full-bodied, super-opulent and luscious wine. This is about as seductive and rich as dry wine can be, and the wine can be drunk now or cellared for another 15-20 years. This is a killer effort! Their cuvée of all the culled out lots is called the Prince of Hearts. It is hard to believe that Claude Blankiet’s first vintage was 1999. Of course, this is a fabulous vineyard that also looks marvelous from the famous Route 29. This is pure Yountville AVA on the eastern slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains, just above the valley floor vineyard of Christian Moueix’s Dominus. Blankiet’s blends are made by Denis Malbec, who also works not too far away as the consultant for Kapcsandy. These wines often need time in bottle to show their character, and I thought the 2012s performed even better than they did from barrel. The 2013s look incredible as well. These may be Blankiet’s two greatest vintages to date, even eclipsing the 2001s and 2002s.

 

Drink 2016 – 2036

 

The 2012 Mythicus is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and a smaller cuvée of only 220 cases. It is close to perfection, for sure, with an inky purple color and a beautiful nose of smoldering embers intermixed with charcoal, blackberry, new saddle leather, crème de cassis, incense and graphite. Full-bodied, with enormous extract and richness, but with a flawless integration of alcohol, acidity, tannin and wood, this wine is still a baby, even for a 2012, but promises to evolve for 25-30 years. It is hard to believe that Claude Blankiet’s first vintage was 1999. Of course, this is a fabulous vineyard that also looks marvelous from the famous Route 29. This is pure Yountville AVA on the eastern slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains, just above the valley floor vineyard of Christian Moueix’s Dominus. Blankiet’s blends are made by Denis Malbec, who also works not too far away as the consultant for Kapcsandy. These wines often need time in bottle to show their character, and I thought the 2012s performed even better than they did from barrel. The 2013s look incredible as well. These may be Blankiet’s two greatest vintages to date, even eclipsing the 2001s and 2002s.

Drink 2016 – 2046

 

 

 

The 2012 Proprietary Red, which is 81% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest mostly Merlot with tiny quantities of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, is truly great stuff. Inky, almost murky purple-colored, the wine offers up notes of camphor, spring flowers, black raspberries, blackberries and cassis as well as hints of chocolate and coffee. It is full- bodied, multi-dimensional, exuberant, boisterous and super-complex already. This is a big, flashy, superb wine to drink now as well as over the next 20-25 years. It is hard to believe that Claude Blankiet’s first vintage was 1999. Of course, this is a fabulous vineyard that also looks marvelous from the famous Route 29. This is pure Yountville AVA on the eastern slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains, just above the valley floor vineyard of Christian Moueix’s Dominus. Blankiet’s blends are made by Denis Malbec, who also works not too far away as the consultant for Kapcsandy. These wines often need time in bottle to show their character, and I thought the 2012s performed even better than they did from barrel. The 2013s look incredible as well. These may be Blankiet’s two greatest vintages to date, even eclipsing the 2001s and 2002s.

Drink 2016 – 2046

The 2013 Proprietary Red, which is 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, is another prodigious effort from Blankiet. Inky purple, with notes of lead pencil shavings, white chocolate, espresso bean, blackberry and cassis, the wine hits the palate with a crescendo of blue and black fruits, a touch of toast, licorice and foresty notes. Stunningly rich, full-bodied and impressive, this wine will age for at least 30 more years. It is hard to believe that Claude Blankiet’s first vintage was 1999. Of course, this is a fabulous vineyard that also looks marvelous from the famous Route 29. This is pure Yountville AVA on the eastern slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains, just above the valley floor vineyard of Christian Moueix’s Dominus. Blankiet’s blends are made by Denis Malbec, who also works not too far away as the consultant for Kapcsandy. These wines often need time in bottle to show their character, and I thought the 2012s performed even better than they did from barrel. The 2013s look incredible as well. These may be Blankiet’s two greatest vintages to date, even eclipsing the 2001s and 2002s.

 

Drink 2016 – 2046

 

The 2013 Mythicus is so backward, but a wine of extraordinary intensity. Loads of tannin, massive extract, a blue/purple color, gorgeous purity and overall depth make for a compelling wine, but this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon effort is one for patient connoisseurs. Forget it for 5-7 years, and drink it over the following three decades. It is hard to believe that Claude Blankiet’s first vintage was 1999. Of course, this is a fabulous vineyard that also looks marvelous from the famous Route 29. This is pure Yountville AVA on the eastern slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains, just above the valley floor vineyard of Christian Moueix’s Dominus. Blankiet’s blends are made by Denis Malbec, who also works not too far away as the consultant for Kapcsandy. These wines often need time in bottle to show their character, and I thought the 2012s performed even better than they did from barrel. The 2013s look incredible as well. These may be Blankiet’s two greatest vintages to date, even eclipsing the 2001s and 2002s.

 

Drink 2016 – 2046

 

 

 

 

 

The second wine, the 2013 Prince of Hearts (80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot) shows slightly more density than its 2012 counterpart. It has good fruit as well as some baking spices mixed with cedar wood, underbrush, black cherry and blackcurrant fruit and some new oak. Drink it over the next decade. It is hard to believe that Claude Blankiet’s first vintage was 1999. Of course, this is a fabulous vineyard that also looks marvelous from the famous Route 29. This is pure Yountville AVA on the eastern slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains, just above the valley floor vineyard of Christian Moueix’s Dominus. Blankiet’s blends are made by Denis Malbec, who also works not too far away as the consultant for Kapcsandy. These wines often need time in bottle to show their character, and I thought the 2012s performed even better than they did from barrel. The 2013s look incredible as well. These may be Blankiet’s two greatest vintages to date, even eclipsing the 2001s and 2002s.

 

Drink 2016 – 2026

 

 

 

Blankiet again hit a home run with his 2013 Rive Droite, which is 92% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc. There are only 300 cases of this, but it is another Petrus lookalike in Napa Valley (which is interesting, given that the next door vineyard is the Moueix-owned Dominus). Offering deep, dense, chocolaty notes with mocha, toffee, black cherry liqueur and even darker berry fruit, this is a wine of phenomenal intensity, with multi- dimensional mouthfeel and a finish of close to a minute. It is as close to perfection as a wine can get, and may eventually hit that three-digit score with another 1-2 years of bottle age. If you can find it, don’t miss it! It should drink well for 25-30+ years. It is hard to believe that Claude Blankiet’s first vintage was 1999. Of course, this is a fabulous vineyard that also looks marvelous from the famous Route 29. This is pure Yountville AVA on the eastern slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains, just above the valley floor vineyard of Christian Moueix’s Dominus. Blankiet’s blends are made by Denis Malbec, who also works not too far away as the consultant for Kapcsandy. These wines often need time in bottle to show their character, and I thought the 2012s performed even better than they did from barrel. The 2013s look incredible as well. These may be Blankiet’s two greatest vintages to date, even eclipsing the 2001s and 2002s.

Drink 2016 – 2046

 

The 2013 Rive Droite Paradise Hills Vineyard is the most expressive and open-knit of Blankiet’s flagship 2013s, and it is the only one of those wines I would even think about opening young. Dark, sensual and totally inviting, the Rive Droite benefits from the Merlot base to give the wine its soft contours and resonant, inviting personality.

 

 

 

A real overachiever, the 2013 Prince of Hearts Paradise Hills Vineyard is deep and wonderfully expressive. Black cherry, plum, violets, cloves, leather and licorice meld together in a sumptuous, intense wine that over delivers on so many levels, one of them being price. The Prince of Hearts is a model of finesse and understatement. Readers who can find it should not hesitate. There are only a handful of wines that can match Prince of Hearts for value and pure pleasure. The blend is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot.

 

The 2012 Prince of Hearts Paradise Hills Vineyard is absolutely gorgeous. Sweet, plush and inviting, the 2012 exudes richness married to freshness. Red cherry, plum, pomegranate and sweet spices are all pushed forward in a gorgeous, inviting wine that is drinking beautifully right now. Best of all, Prince of Hearts is one of the very finest wines in Napa Valley. The blend is 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot.

Blankiet fans will find much to admire in these current and upcoming releases. The 2012s continue to develop positively in bottle, while the 2013s capture the utter profoundness of this great Napa Valley vintage. But it is the 2014s that could turn out to be the most surprising wines in the three vintages spanning 2012-2014, as they exude brisk energy, striking aromatics and fabulous overall energy. Comparing the 2013s and 2014s here will be a fascinating exercise for many years to come. Proprietors Claude and Katherine Blankiet spare no expense to put only the very best in the bottle, while winemakers Denis and May-Britt Malbec continue to refine their approach to getting the most out of these pristine hillside vineyards. The flagship Proprietary Red and new 100% Cabernet Sauvignon Mythicus will get most of the attention, but readers should also take a look at the Prince of Hearts, which is one of Napa Valley’s very finest values in artisan, world-class

 

Blankiet’s 2012 Proprietary Red Paradise Hills Vineyard is just starting to open up. The 2012 is delicate and totally sublime. Expressive Cabernet Sauvignon aromatics open up first, followed by layers of expressive red-fleshed fruit. Light on its feet and exceptionally polished throughout, the 2012 delivers the goods, big time. In 2012, the Proprietary Red speaks to finesse above all else. This is the most impressive of Blankiet’s 2012s today.

 

Composed of 70.6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24.9% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the impressive 2009 Prince of Hearts Paradise Hills Vineyard reveals a deep ruby/purple color, an evolved personality and lots of black currant, cherry and pen ink characteristics. This dark, medium to full-bodied, supple textured wine should drink well for 12-15 years. The Blankiet Estate owned by Claude and Katherine Blankiet is beautifully situated on the lower hillsides of the Mayacamas Mountains, just behind the large Napanook estate of Dominus. An enviable group of talented people have provided assistance here, beginning with David Abreu, Helen Turley and John Wetlaufer, followed by Michel Rolland, Martha McClellan, and more recently Denis Malbec. Production remains between 1,800 and 2,500 cases with nearly half of that devoted to their second wine, the Prince of Hearts. The other cuvees include the Proprietary Red (Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated) and the Rive Droite (a Pomerol / St.-Emilion look-a-like wine), and in 2012, they added a tiny, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon cuvee called Mythicus. I could be wrong, but it seems to me these wines, which performed very well, and are among the finest of the so-called “cult” wines of Napa Valley, remain under-the-radar. Perhaps that is due to the small production. The 2009s are all stunning. In the challenging 2011 vintage, the Blankiets along with their winemaker Denis Malbec have fashioned very good examples, although they are much lighter and less concentrated and authoritative than the top vintages. The 2012s are among the finest wines Blankiet has yet made

 

The 2009 Prince of Hearts Paradise Hills Vineyard is a classy, refined wine graced with exquisite finesse. Red berries, flowers, licorice and sweet spices flesh out on the mid-palate. A totally impeccable, refined finish rounds things out in style. The 2009 continues to grow in the glass, which bodes very well for the future. In 2009 the blend is 70.6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24.9% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1.5% Petit Verdot. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019. (Not yet released) Claude and
Katherine Blankiet have refined their approach over the last few years. Under the direction of Denis Malbec, the vines are now being farmed with the goal of keeping a more robust canopy in an effort to place less stress on the vines than has been the case in the recent past. In the cellar, Malbec is focusing on longer macerations and gentler extractions. He is also aging the component wines separately for a longer period of time, as opposed to Michel Rolland’s approach, which was to create the blends earlier. It will be fascinating to see what develops here. These hillside vineyards are some of the most pristine in the Valley. Readers who want to learn more about Blankiet Estate may want to take a look at my video interview with Claude Blankiet and Denis Malbec on www.erobertparker.com Tel. (707) 963-2001

Drink 2012 – 2019

 

The 2008 Prince of Hearts is a 440-case production of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and a small quantity of Petit Verdot. Supple and elegant, it is lighter than its bigger siblings, but reveals a spicy, rich style with notes of burning embers, black cherries, black currants and coffee. Enjoy it over the next decade. Claude and Katherine Blankiet continue to make subtle changes in their winemaking at Blankiet Estate. Michel Rolland has been replaced by Denis Malbec, but superstar viticulturist David Abreu still manages this gorgeous hillside vineyard in the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains, just behind the large estate of Dominus. The 2008s have improved dramatically since last year, which may be the result of the culling out of certain lots for their second wine called Prince of Hearts. The 2007s essentially performed as well as they did last year, and it appears to be the greatest vintage yet produced at Blankiet.

 

The 2008 Rive Droite Proprietary Red (68.5% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Franc, 7.5% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon; 320 cases produced) offers soaring, complex aromas of barbecue smoke, juicy black currants, chocolate-infused black cherries, mocha, camphor and incense are intense as well as persuasive. This opulent, full-bodied wine possesses good density and abundant complexity. It comes close in quality to the brilliant 2007. The precocious 2008 should continue to offer provocative drinking over the next 12-15 years.

Claude and Katherine Blankiet continue to make subtle changes in their winemaking at Blankiet Estate. Michel Rolland has been replaced by Denis Malbec, but superstar viticulturist David Abreu still manages this gorgeous hillside vineyard in the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains, just behind the large estate of Dominus. The 2008s have improved dramatically since last year, which may be the result of the culling out of certain lots for their second wine called Prince of Hearts. The 2007s essentially performed as well as they did last year, and it appears to be the greatest vintage yet produced at Blankiet.

 

Composed of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, the dark plum/purple/garnet-tinged 2007 Rive Droite Proprietary Red offers kirsch, black currant, coffee bean, cocoa and loamy, earthy notes in its opulent, voluptuously textured personality. Heady, exuberant and flashy, this already irresistible 2007 should continue to drink well for 15+ years.

Claude and Katherine Blankiet continue to make subtle changes in their winemaking at Blankiet Estate. Michel Rolland has been replaced by Denis Malbec, but superstar viticulturist David Abreu still manages this gorgeous hillside vineyard in the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains, just behind the large estate of Dominus. The 2008s have improved dramatically since last year, which may be the result of the culling out of certain lots for their second wine called Prince of Hearts. The 2007s essentially performed as well as they did last year, and it appears to be the greatest vintage yet roduced at Blankiet.

 

The 2006 Rive Droite reveals elegant, attractive, plum, black cherry, coffee, and wood spice notes offered in a lush, full-bodied style meant to be drunk over the next 7-8 years. This sensational estate is situated on the hillside behind Dominus’ large Napanook Vineyard. Created by Claude and Katherine Blankiet in the midnineties, I have liked these wines since their debut vintage. They now have 16 acres under vine, and the winemaking is overseen by super-star viticulturists David Abreu and Martha McClellan-Levy as well as consultant Michel Rolland. Their secondary label, called Rive Droite, uses a large portion of their Merlot crop, and the flagship offering, the Paradise Hills Vineyard Proprietary Red is dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon.  

The 2005 Merlot, which is now called Rive Droite is an 800-case blend with some Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc added. An elegant, dark ruby/purple-colored wine with a sweet nose of espresso roast, dark black cherries, licorice, underbrush, and truffle in an elegant, full-bodied, rich, concentrated style, this wine should drink nicely for 12-15+ years.

Drink 2007 – 2022

 

This is a great effort from Blankiet that has turned out beautifully, with a silky personality, voluptuous texture, beautiful nose of roasted herbs, burning embers, smoked meat, spring flowers, and plenty of blackberry and cassis. Almost La Mission Haut-Brion-ish in its character thanks to the minerality and smokiness, the wine is full-bodied, rich, concentrated, and has shed its once-considerable tannins, which are relatively rapid-paced. That said, as drinkable and complex as it is already, this wine still has another 20 years left in it.

 

From their beautiful hillside vineyards behind the vast estate of Dominus, Blankiet has produced a 2003 Merlot Paradise Hills Estate (14.9% natural alcohol) offering a gorgeously complex bouquet of Chinese black tea, black currants, earth, chocolate and a touch of mocha. Frankly, I’ m not sure a Napa Merlot can be any more complex than this. With a deep plum/purple color and round, juicy, full-bodied opulence, this 2003 could easily compete with the greatest Pomerols or St-Emilions. Made from 100% Merlot, it was aged 18 months in 100% new Taransaud barrels, which provide the chocolaty, espresso notes. This sensational wine is showing even better than I remember. Impressive, rich and long. It is close to full maturity, but should easily last for another decade or more in a cold cellar.

 

 

Blankiet’s 2009 Rive Droite Paradise Hills Vineyard is another rich, bombastic wine. There is plenty of depth in the glass as layers of dark fruit, tobacco, smoke, plums and cloves flesh out over time. Here, too, the French oak is a bit overpowering. The 2009 Rive Droite is outstanding, but in time it will be viewed as a transitional wine in the estate’s history. The 2009 Rive Droite is 80% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2029. Claude and Katherine Blankiet have spared no expense in their goal to make world-class wines, and it shows in these magnificent new releases. One of the biggest changes at Blankiet over the last few years has been the creation of a second wine, Prince of Hearts, first released with the 2008 vintage. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that the creation of a second label is one of the main reasons quality has been so exceptional here, especially in the last few years, none of which has been easy. Prince of Hearts, with its production between 600-1,000 cases, is all or mostly juice that used to end up in the Rive Droite and Proprietary Red. Readers who want to learn more about Blankiet might like to take a look at my videos of the 2011 and 2012 harvests. The differences between the 2009s and 2010s are striking. Some of that – perhaps much of that – is attributable to the qualities of the years themselves. Claude Blankiet describes 2009 as a warmer vintage than 2010 and certainly 2011. The 2009s were made by Michel Rolland, but the blends were finalized by Denis and May-Britt Malbec. Since their arrival, the Malbecs have lowered toast levels in the cellar, and perhaps most importantly of all, brought with them an approach to viticulture that seeks to stress the vines less than was previously the norm here. Changes in farming normally take at least a few years to show results, so it follows that it will take some time before the full potential of these vineyards are fully realized.

Anticipated maturity: 2019 – 2029

 

The 2009 Prince of Hearts Paradise Hills Vineyard jumps from the glass with an immediacy and juiciness that is impossible not to love. The extroverted, racy fruit is perfectly suited for an entry-level bottling. Raspberry jam, flowers, tobacco and sweet spices wrap around the palate as this flashy wine shows off its pedigree. The French oak is just a bit dominant, but that is a relatively small critique for a wine that delivers so much sheer pleasure at this price point. The 2009 is 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2021. Claude and Katherine Blankiet have spared no expense in their goal to make world-class wines, and it shows in these magnificent new releases. One of the biggest changes at Blankiet over the last few years has been the creation of a second wine, Prince of Hearts, first released with the 2008 vintage. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that the creation of a second label is one of the main reasons quality has been so exceptional here, especially in the last few years, none of which has been easy. Prince of Hearts, with its production between 600-1,000 cases, is all or mostly juice that used to end up in the Rive Droite and Proprietary Red. Readers who want to learn more about Blankiet might like to take a look at my videos of the 2011 and 2012 harvests.

Anticipated maturity 2012-2021

 

The 2009 Proprietary Red Paradise Hills Vineyard is the most harmonious and integrated of the 2009s I tasted. Plums, black currants, espresso, mocha and smoke all jump from the glass in this large- scaled, powerful wine. Seemingly endless layers of fruit build to the huge, explosive finish. This is a fairly extroverted vintage that will be fun to drink with minimum cellaring. In 2009 the blend is 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot and drops of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029. Claude and Katherine Blankiet have spared no expense in their goal to make world-class wines, and it shows in these magnificent new releases. One of the biggest changes at Blankiet over the last few years has been the creation of a second wine, Prince of Hearts, first released with the 2008 vintage. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that the creation of a second label is one of the main reasons quality has been so exceptional here, especially in the last few years, none of which has been easy. Prince of Hearts, with its production between 600-1,000 cases, is all or mostly juice that used to end up in the Rive Droite and Proprietary Red. Readers who want to learn more about Blankiet might like to take a look at my videos of the 2011 and 2012 harvests. The differences between the 2009s and 2010s are striking. Some of that – perhaps much of that – is attributable to the qualities of the years themselves. Claude Blankiet describes 2009 as a warmer vintage than 2010 and certainly 2011. The 2009s were made by Michel Rolland, but the blends were finalized by Denis and May-Britt Malbec. Since their arrival, the Malbecs have lowered toast levels in the cellar, and perhaps most importantly of all, brought with them an approach to viticulture that seeks to stress the vines less than was previously the norm here. Changes in farming normally take at least a few years to show results, so it follows that it will take some time before the full potential of these vineyards are fully realized.

Anticipated maturity: 2017- 2029

 

Blankiet’s 2010 Prince of Hearts Paradise Hills Vineyard offers up gorgeous aromatics, refined fruit and a total sense of harmony from the very first taste. Juicy red berries, plums, roses and cinnamon meld together in this effortless, gracious wine. In 2010 the Prince of Hearts boasts lovely depth and roundness backed by the acidity and vibrancy of this great vintage. All of the Blankiet hallmarks are in the glass. If that sounds appealing, believe me, it is. This is a fabulous effort. At many estates, this would be the top wine; here it is the second label. Incidentally, Prince of Hearts is the most fairly priced among the second wines of Napa Valley’s elite properties. The 2010 is 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and a drop of Petit Verdot. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025.

Claude and Katherine Blankiet have spared no expense in their goal to make world-class wines, and it shows in these magnificent new releases. One of the biggest changes at Blankiet over the last few years has been the creation of a second wine, Prince of Hearts, first released with the 2008 vintage. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that the creation of a second label is one of the main reasons quality has been so exceptional here, especially in the last few years, none of which has been easy. Prince of Hearts, with its production between 600-1,000 cases, is all or mostly juice that used to end up in the Rive Droite and Proprietary Red. Readers who want to learn more about Blankiet might like to take a look at my videos of the 2011 and 2012 harvests.

 

The 2010 Rive Droite Paradise Hills Vineyard is endowed with serious richness and depth, all backed up by an equally serious core of pure, saline-infused minerality. The Rive Droite is far from an easygoing Merlot-based wine, rather it is endowed with tons of structure and pure power. Today, the 2010 is incredibly young. I don’t see it giving much pleasure before the age of ten, but its balance is beyond impeccable. This is a dazzling effort that stands out for its pure energy. The 2010 is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, with a drop of Petit Verdot.
Anticipated maturity: 2020-2030.

Claude and Katherine Blankiet have spared no expense in their goal to make world-class wines, and it shows in these magnificent new releases. One of the biggest changes at Blankiet over the last few years has been the creation of a second wine, Prince of Hearts, first released with the 2008 vintage. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that the creation of a second label is one of the main reasons quality has been so exceptional here, especially in the last few years, none of which has been easy. Prince of Hearts, with its production between 600-1,000 cases, is all or mostly juice that used to end up in the Rive Droite and Proprietary Red. Readers who want to learn more about Blankiet might like to take a look at my videos of the 2011 and 2012 harvests.

Drink 2020 – 2030

 

The 2010 Proprietary Red Paradise Hills Vineyard is stunningly beautiful. At once rich yet weightless, the 2010 covers every inch of the palate with seemingly endless layers of aromas and flavors. The 2010 is endowed with exceptional elegance and finesse. Hints of graphite and pencil shavings add intrigue and a cool sense of minerality on the finish. Not an obvious wine, the 2010 will need several years at a minimum to reveal its pure pedigree, but it is a fabulous wine to treasure between the ages of ten and twenty-plus. The blend is 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and a splash of Petit Verdot.
Anticipated maturity: 2020-2030.

Claude and Katherine Blankiet have spared no expense in their goal to make world-class wines, and it shows in these magnificent new releases. One of the biggest changes at Blankiet over the last few years has been the creation of a second wine, Prince of Hearts, first released with the 2008 vintage. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that the creation of a second label is one of the main reasons quality has been so exceptional here, especially in the last few years, none of which has been easy. Prince of Hearts, with its production between 600-1,000 cases, is all or mostly juice that used to end up in the Rive Droite and Proprietary Red. Readers who want to learn more about Blankiet might like to take a look at my videos of the 2011 and 2012 harvests.

Drink 2020 – 2030

 

The 2004 Merlot Paradise Hills Vineyard (1,100 cases) includes a dollop of Cabernet Franc in the blend. It exhibits gorgeous notes of chocolate, espresso, plums, blackberries, and cherries. Full-bodied with terrific intensity and opulence, it makes a dramatic statement about how great Napa Merlot can be. It should drink beautifully for 15 or more years.

Both 2004s have put on considerable weight and performed significantly stronger out of bottle than they did from cask.

 

The 2002 Merlot was aged 18 months in new Taransaud barrels and bottled unfiltered. Its dark purple color is followed by a lovely bouquet of fudge, caramel, black cherries, plums, and smoke. Full-bodied, opulent, and rich, it is one of the finest Merlots made in California. The deep, rich 2002 Merlot is not up to the level of the 2003, although it does possess fabulously complex notes of scorched earth, chocolate, espresso roast, and meaty black cherries, currants, and plums. A broodingly backward, concentrated, full-bodied, dense, and super-rich Merlot, it should drink well for 15 or more years.

As I have written before, the only way readers are going to get any of this wine is to be on the mailing list or check out one of the few restaurants that receives an allocation.

This is an amazing operation on the hillsides overlooking the huge Dominus/Napanook estate. A complex set of caves and a remarkable, nearly surreal chateau grace the property. Winemaker Helen Turley, working with her viticulturalist husband, John Wetlaufer, is fashioning some spectacular wines from these hillsides of volcanic ash and basalt. These are big, structured, potentially long-lived wines that will need some cellar time for those lucky enough to latch onto a few bottles. Everything to date has been aged in 100% new Taransaud barrels for 18-19 months and then bottled unfiltered.

 

The 2010 Proprietary Red Paradise Hills Vineyard graces the palate with expressive dark red fruit supported by polished tannins. The 2010 is a steely, cool wine that should blossom beautifully with time in bottle. Today, it is simply dazzling. The blend is 84.1% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14.4% Merlot, 1.1% Cabernet Franc and 0.4% Petit Verdot. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030. (Not yet released) Claude and Katherine Blankiet have refined their approach over the last few years. Under the direction of Denis Malbec, the vines are now being farmed with the goal of keeping a more robust canopy in an effort to place less stress on the vines than has been the case in the recent past. In the cellar, Malbec is focusing on longer macerations and gentler extractions. He is also aging the component wines separately for a longer period of time, as opposed to Michel Rolland’s approach, which was to create the blends earlier. It will be fascinating to see what develops here. These hillside vineyards are some of the most pristine in the Valley. Readers who want to learn more about Blankiet Estate may want to take a look at my video interview with Claude Blankiet and Denis Malbec on www.erobertparker.com

Drink 2015 – 2030

 

This beautiful hillside vineyard is situated behind the Dominus Estate in Yountville. The 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Paradise Hills Vineyard (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) has turned out even better than I predicted seven years ago. Made by Helen Turley when she was the consultant at Blankiet from tightly spaced, steep hillside vineyards planted by her husband, John Wetlaufer, it exhibits a beautiful nose of flowers, high quality unsmoked cigar tobacco, crème de cassis, chocolate, espresso and blueberries. Extraordinarily young, fresh and fabulously concentrated, this wine still impresses with its intensity, complexity and youthfulness. It will probably not peak in quality for a decade, and has 20-30 years of further aging potential.

 

The 2007 Paradise Hills Vineyard Proprietary Red (60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot) exhibits abundant notes of espresso, chocolate, crème de cassis, blackberry, forest floor and graphite. Full-bodied, dense and rich, it is just beginning to reveal some secondary nuances as well as complexity. There are 940 cases of this big, rich 2007 that should continue to drink well for two decades. Claude and Katherine Blankiet continue to make subtle changes in their winemaking at Blankiet Estate. Michel Rolland has been replaced by Denis Malbec, but superstar viticulturist David Abreu still manages this gorgeous hillside vineyard in the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains, just behind the large estate of Dominus. The 2008s have improved dramatically since last year, which may be the result of the culling out of certain lots for their second wine called Prince of Hearts. The 2007s essentially performed as well as they did last year, and it appears to be the greatest vintage yet produced at Blankiet.

Drink 2010 – 2030

 

Composed of 82.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot and the rest tiny dollops of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, the 2008 Paradise Hills Vineyard Proprietary Red has added considerable richness, weight, texture, nuance and complexity over the last year. Aromas of chocolate, espresso, blackberries, black currants and charcoal/burning embers leads to a full-bodied, expressive, rich wine that is nearly as compelling as the 2007. Dense, full-bodied and already drinkable, it should evolve for 20+ years. Claude and Katherine Blankiet continue to make subtle changes in their winemaking at Blankiet Estate. Michel Rolland has been replaced by Denis Malbec, but superstar viticulturist David Abreu still manages this gorgeous hillside vineyard in the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains, just behind the large estate of Dominus. The 2008s have improved dramatically since last year, which may be the result of the culling out of certain lots for their second wine called Prince of Hearts.

Drink 2010 – 2030

 

There are just over 1000 cases of the Cabernet Sauvignon, which is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the hillsides of the Blankiet Estate. The 2003, showing an almost “liqueur of rocks” character, is a huge, gigantic Cabernet Sauvignon that is intense purple in color, very full-bodied, with notes of coffee, graphite, blackberry, blueberry, and cassis. The striking minerality comes forth in the flavors as well, and the wine reveals refined, but high tannins, a massive texture, and awesome concentration. Give this wine 4-5 years of bottle age and drink it over the following 30 years. It is a stunning Cabernet Sauvignon that is showing even better out of bottle that it did from barrel.

As I have written before, the only way readers are going to get any of this wine is to be on the mailing list or check out one of the few restaurants that receives an allocation.

This is an amazing operation on the hillsides overlooking the huge Dominus/Napanook estate. A complex set of caves and a remarkable, nearly surreal chateau grace the property. Winemaker Helen Turley, working with her viticulturalist husband, John Wetlaufer, is fashioning some spectacular wines from these hillsides of volcanic ash and basalt. These are big, structured, potentially long-lived wines that will need some cellar time for those lucky enough to latch onto a few bottles. Everything to date has been aged in 100% new Taransaud barrels for 18-19 months and then bottled unfiltered.

 

There are just over 1000 cases of the Cabernet Sauvignon, which is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the hillsides of the Blankiet Estate. The 2004 looks to be as good as they have made to date, although the 2003 was showing exceptional potential from bottle. The 2004 has an inky/purple color and a big, sweet nose of graphite, scorched earth, plums, licorice, blackberry, and cassis with some tasty, high-quality oak. Extremely opulent, full-bodied, dense, and pure, this is striking Cabernet and one of the densest, richest wines I have tasted from this vintage, a year that has a tendency to be somewhat charming and superficial, but lacks concentration. Boasting delicious fudge-like aromas intermixed with blackberry, coffee bean, and pain grille scents, this super-rich, full-bodied effort displays a Graves-like, volcanic, scorched earth/hot stone element in its flavors. Both 2004s have put on considerable weight and performed significantly stronger out of bottle than they did from cask. Because of low acidity, sweet ripeness, and velvety tannin, this wine should be drinkable upon release but hit its stride in 4-5 years and last for two decades.

As I have written before, the only way readers are going to get any of this wine is to be on the mailing list or check out one of the few restaurants that receives an allocation.

This is an amazing operation on the hillsides overlooking the huge Dominus/Napanook estate. A complex set of caves and a remarkable, nearly surreal chateau grace the property. Winemaker Helen Turley, working with her viticulturalist husband, John Wetlaufer, is fashioning some spectacular wines from these hillsides of volcanic ash and basalt. These are big, structured, potentially long-lived wines that will need some cellar time for those lucky enough to latch onto a few bottles. Everything to date has been aged in 100% new Taransaud barrels for 18-19 months and then bottled unfiltered.

 

Perhaps the finest wine yet made at Blankiet is the spectacular 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Paradise Hills Vineyard. Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2005 combines the extraordinary power of this site with unbelievable elegance and definition. It exhibits a deep ruby/purple hue in addition to abundant aromas of smoky oak, blackberries, cassis, scorched earth, and coffee. This powerful, rich, super-pure, deep Cabernet’s finish lasts 45-50 seconds. The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Paradise Hills Vineyard (1,200 cases) reveals a chocolaty espresso roast note with mocha, blackberry and cassis, high tannins, but full body, superb concentration, purity, and an almost Graves-like scorched earth character. This wine needs 3-4 years of bottle age, and should last 25-30 years.

They don’t sell it, but for those on the mailing list or visitors, do check out their brilliant 2006 Rose, made by bleeding some of their tanks. It is really one of the best roses I have ever tasted, and it’s a shame one can’t buy it.

 

The gorgeous 2006 Proprietary Red Wine (a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot) exhibits aromas of melted chocolate, espresso roast, mocha, blackberries, and black cherries along with a full-bodied, intense mouthfeel, sweet tannins, and a note of scorched earth/burning embers, which brings to mind a rich vintage from the northern Graves area of Bordeaux. This stunning 2006 is already revealing secondary nuances as well as significant complexity. It should drink well for two decades or more. (Release date Fall 2009)

This small artisanal producer turns out around 900 cases of wine from a beautiful hillside site behind Dominus large Napanook Vineyard. Blankiets proprietary red is created under the guidance of Martha McClellan (the wife of Harlan Estates Bob Levy as well as the winemaker at Sloan). A Draconian selection process is practiced, and the wine is generally a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and small proportions of Cabernet Franc and Merlot. There is a 6-7 day pre-fermentation cold soak as well as 45-50 day extended maceration. Additionally, the Merlot is barrel-fermented. The wines style tends to be similar to a top-flight Graves from Bordeaux, only richer because of the thicker, juicier, darker, Napa Valley fruit.

Drink 2008 – 2028

 

The 2001 Merlot offers aromas of roasted herbs, cocoa, fudge, smoke, and black cherry-jam. It is extremely complex aromatically, full-bodied, deep, and chewy. While it does not display the majestic presence of the 2001 Proprietary Red, it is a loaded, impressive effort, particularly for such a new estate. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2012.

 

The 2000 Proprietary Red, from a challenging vintage, is one of the year’s most striking efforts. Notes of creosote, blueberries, blackberries, cassis and a touch of licorice dominates this dense purple-colored 2000’s aromatics. The tannin is higher and more intrusive than in the 1999 or the seamless 2001, but there is tremendous depth and richness as well as a full-bodied, concentrated mid-palate and finish. Moreover, the texture is impressive, particularly for this vintage, but patience is required given the tannin level.

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. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2020.

 

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)

(79.8% merlot, 11.8% cabernet franc and 8.4% cabernet sauvignon): Good bright ruby-red. Perfumed nose offers currant, cherry, cocoa powder, brown spices and rose petal. Concentrated, broad and perfumed, with lovely innermouth energy and lift. The slow-building, impressively long finish features serious structure and extremely suave tannins.
A beautiful California merlot.

 

69% merlot, 23% cabernet franc, 7% petit verdot and 1% cabernet sauvignon): Good deep ruby-red. Sexy aromas of plum, bitter chocolate, violet and licorice pastille: very Right Bank. Then smooth and sweet in the mouth, with lovely restrained sweetness to its black raspberry and licorice flavors. A floral component contributes energy and inner-mouth aromatic lift. Quite plush on the back end, finishing with broad tannins and lovely perfume. A very successful blend with great early appeal: I’d enjoy this over the next seven or eight years before starting on the Proprietary wine, which should surpass it in the long run.

 

(A 60/40 blend of merlot and cabernet sauvignon). Good deep, bright ruby-red. Highly aromatic nose combines mulberry, boysenberry, tobacco and flowers. Intensely flavored and sweet, with a scented quality to the fruit-driven flavors of ripe plum, mulberry and flowers. For all its breadth and sweetness this also boasts excellent tannic structure and grip. Musky aromas of currant, tobacco, licorice, minerals, mocha and coffee. Creamy-smooth and broad, with captivating flavors of currant and graphite.

 

(70.6% cabernet sauvignon, 24.9% merlot, 3% cabernet franc and 1.5% petit verdot): Knockout perfume of black fruits, violet and cedar. Broad, lush and rather open-knit, with lovely fullness to the expressive flavors of currant, cherry, plum, spices and flowers. Very suave, concentrated and fine-grained for a “second wine”, finishing with even, building tannins and subtle suggestions of currant, graphite and wild herbs.

 

(Includes 10% cabernet franc). Deep, complex nose combines plum syrup, violet, tobacco, licorice, minerals and game; there’s something quite Bordeaux-like about this. Dry, broad, suave and seamless, with complicating hints of black olive and smoke. This is wonderfully full without being at all heavy. Finishes long and ripe. This will go truffley with bottle aging.

 

Saturated ruby-red. Sour cherry, plum, menthol, mocha and smoked meat on the nose. Less fleshy than the young 2004 but still round, large-scaled and mouthfilling, with considerable complexity. Finishes quite long, with substantial dusty tannins and excellent grip.

 

Saturated ruby-red. Wonderfully complex, deep aromas of plum, currant, licorice, smoke, dark chocolate and spices. Superconcentrated, round, sweet and creamy, with highly complex flavors of plum, dark chocolate, minerals and leather. This offers breadth and palate coverage rare for merlot that’s not grown on the Pomerol plateau. The rising finish boasts superb breadth and length. A great California merlot.

 

Full, deep ruby-red. Very sexy, perfumed aromas of black raspberry, violet, mint, spices and tobacco. Broad, dry and suave; at once velvety and light on its feet. Bordeaux-like in its texture and inner-mouth verve. Coats the entire palate with flavor. Finishes very long and sweet, with a flavor of melted chocolate. A retaste of a bottle I sampled last year just after it was bottled.

 

(like the 2000, this includes a bit of cabernet franc) Medium ruby-red. Exotic red and black fruits, minerals, game, wild herbs and dried flowers on the nose, all lifted by sexy sandalwood and cardamom oak tones; I get almost a suggestion of Provencal garrigue Sweet but firm and penetrating; with less stuffing than the 2000, this conveys an impression of higher acidity. Finishes bright and long.

 

Deep ruby color. Blackberry, pepper, mint and tar on the vibrant nose. Lush but dry, with strong acids giving terrific cut and definition to the dark berry and bitter chocolate flavors. But this also offers excellent breadth and palate coverage. Finishes with full tannins that call for at least a few years of additional bottle aging.

 

Saturated ruby. Knockout nose combines blueberry pastille, black raspberry, minerals, violet, espresso and sexy oak. Hugely complex, superripe and dry, with flavors of dark berries, bitter chocolate, mocha, smoke and minerals that reach every nook and cranny of the palate. This is just at the limit of surmaturite (the alcohol here is 14.7%, high for this site but not at all excessive by today’s North Coast cabernet standards), but does not cross over the line. Finishes with broad, spreading tannins that reach the front teeth and come across as even lusher than those of the 2002 merlot.

 

Saturated ruby. Highly nuanced aromas of crystallized berries, tobacco, minerals, and bitter chocolate, mocha and roasted herbs. Very cool and classy but backward cabernet, with subtly complex flavors of cassis, mocha, game and fresh herbs. Less flamboyantly ripe and sweet than the 2002, but distinctly claret-like in its finesse. Very firmly tannic today and perhaps beginning to shut down. A sophisticated cabernet that should enjoy at least 12 to 15 years of development in bottle. Both this and the 2002 version are 100% cabernet sauvignon. Although winemaker Helen Turley has a couple of new projects in the works, the Blankiet wines are currently her only set of wines in the market made from Bordeaux varieties.

 

Bright medium ruby. Rather Pauillac-like aromas of cassis, black cherry, violet, licorice and menthol; perfumed and pure. Juicy and tightly wound, with floral black fruit flavors. A bit closed in on itself today, but already quite aromatic in the mouth. Finishes long and juicy, with firm but fine tannins.

 

(81.8% cabernet sauvignon, 16.7% Merlot, 1% cabernet franc and 0.5% petit verdot): Good deep ruby-red. Very pure aromas of blueberry, cassis, violet, mocha and minerals. Sweet, broad and wonderfully deep, with dark berry and mineral flavors complicated by a soil-driven saline note. Utterly seamless and consistent from start to fully ripe, aromatic, extremely long finish.

 

(82.5% cabernet sauvignon, 16% merlot, 1% petit verdot and 0.5% cabernet franc): Good medium ruby. Knockout nose combines dark berries, licorice, violet, minerals and bitter chocolate. Juicy, minerally and suave in the mouth, with terrific grip and aromatic perfume to the flavors of blackberry, cassis and violet. This wine has a tight spine to support extended aging. Here’s a classic version of a wine with the verve and floral lift to hide its 15.2% alcohol. Liqueur-like aromas of kirsch, licorice pastille and spice cake. Dense, sweet, seamless and deep, with a slightly exotic ripeness for the year but no impression of heaviness. Nicely integrated acidity frames the intense flavors of blackberry, cassis, plum syrup, earth and licorice. For all its ripeness, this medium-bodied wine finishes with excellent grip and lift-not to mention extremely fine-grained tannins.

(60% cabernet sauvignon and 40% merlot) Good dark ruby-red. Expressive aromas of currant, smoky oak and licorice. Large-scaled, voluptuous and wonderfully sweet; this fills the mouth and saturates the olfactory’s with an almost candied ripeness. Maintains its outstanding breadth clear through to the compellingly sweet back end, which features big, broad tannins and a repeating note of licorice. Very ripe aromas of blackberry, licorice and violet. At once thick and sappy, with a powerful sense of solidity to the flavors of dark berry syrup and minerals. This boasts the density of the vintage’s best examples, but there’s also plenty of energy to leaven the wine’s lush, full texture. Finishes with big but very fine tannins and outstanding length.

(a 60/40 blend of cabernet sauvignon and merlot) Saturated ruby. Wonderfully complex nose melds blackberry, black- and redcurrant, coffee, tobacco, licorice, graphite, game and spices; quite claret-like. Large-scaled, lush and compellingly sweet but with an early harmoniousness of elements that gives it a wonderfully light touch. Combines great breadth with terrific inner-mouth energy and freshness. The substantial but extremely fine-grained tannins hit the palate very late, allowing the wine’s highly complex flavors to expand and linger. ) Dark ruby-red. Vibrant, complex nose combines currant, minerals, tobacco and brown spices. Wonderfully sweet, lush and fine-grained, with its silky texture enlivened by compelling inner-mouth perfume. Intriguing mineral and licorice notes add to the complexity of this very deep, layered wine, which finishes with spreading tannins and outstanding length. Large-scaled and rather powerful but with a lovely light touch. A superb 2006.

The plan as of March was to wait until December or January to bottle this wine, which promises to be the best release yet from this estate.

 

A new offering, the 2012 Mythicus Paradise Hills Vineyard is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and 220 cases were produced. A great effort, it boasts exceptionally pure notes of crème de cassis, graphite and subtle smoke as well as full-bodied, first-growth-like precision, richness and elegance backed up with significant intensity and power. It appears to have enormous potential, but it is much less evolved than the Rive Droite and Proprietary Red. Despite the precociousness and ripe tannins of the 2012 vintage, the Mythicus will require some discipline once it is bottled. The 2012 Prince of Hearts was still being assembled and was not available for tasting. The Blankiet Estate owned by Claude and Katherine Blankiet is beautifully situated on the lower hillsides of the Mayacamas Mountains, just behind the large Napanook estate of Dominus. An enviable group of talented people have provided assistance here, beginning with David Abreu, Helen Turley and John Wetlaufer, followed by Michel Rolland, Martha McClellan, and more recently Denis Malbec. Production remains between 1,800 and 2,500 cases with nearly half of that devoted to their second wine, the Prince of Hearts. The other cuvees include the Proprietary Red (Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated) and the Rive Droite (a Pomerol / St.-Emilion look-a-like wine), and in 2012, they added a tiny, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon cuvee called Mythicus. I could be wrong, but it seems to me these wines, which performed very well, and are among the finest of the so-called “cult” wines of Napa Valley, remain under-the-radar. Perhaps that is due to the small production. The 2009s are all stunning. In the challenging 2011 vintage, the Blankiets along with their winemaker Denis Malbec have fashioned very good examples, although they are much lighter and less concentrated and authoritative than the top vintages. The 2012s are among the finest wines Blankiet has yet made.

 

 

(A blend of 76% cabernet sauvignon, 20% merlot, 3% cab franc and 1% petit verdot; aged in 50% new and 50% once-used barrels): Good deep ruby-red. Captivating mineral and floral lift to the aromas of raspberry and red licorice. Suave and perfumed in the mouth; not a monster of density but live acidity gives shape and lift to the juicy raspberry and spice flavors. This is too easy to drink!

 

(Right Bank blend based on 90% merlot): Dark medium ruby. Cooler on the nose than the Proprietary Red, offering sexy scents of blackberry, violet, licorice and leather. Then more opulent and open-knit on the palate, but with outstanding structure for a merlot-based wine. This utterly seamless example delivers insidious sweetness of fruit complicated by ineffable notes of wild herbs, licorice and spices. Very classy and long on the aftertaste, with
wonderfully refined tannins. A great California merlot. 95 points

(Winemaker Denis Malbec, who literally grew up at Chateau Latour, also makes the great merlot-based Roberta Reserve at Kapcsandy, which means that he is responsible for California’s two greatest merlots, in the opinion of
this taster.)

 

The 2011 Prince of Hearts Paradise Hills Vineyard exhibits notes of charcoal, roasted herbs, sweet red and black currant fruit, and a medium – bodied, lighter than usual, but pleasant personality. It should be drunk over the next 5 – 7 years. The Blankiet Esta te owned by Claude and Katherine Blankiet is beautifully situated on the lower hillsides of the Mayacamas Mountains, just behind the large Napanook estate of Dominus. An enviable group of talented people have provided assistance here, beginning with David Abreu, Helen Turley and John Wetlaufer, follow ed by Michel Rolland, Martha McCl ellan, and more recently Denis Malbec. Production remains between 1,800 and 2,500 cases with nearly half of that devoted to their second wine, the Prince of Hearts. The other cuv ees include the Proprietary Red (Cabernet Sauvignon – dominated) and the Rive Droite (a Pomerol / St. – Emilion look – a – like wine), and in 2012, they added a tiny, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon cuvee called Mythicus. I could be wrong, but it seems to me these wines, which performed very well, and are among the finest of the so – called “cult” wines of Napa Valley, remain under – the – radar. Perhaps that is due to the small production. The 2009s are all stunning. In the challenging 2011 vintage, the Blankiets along with the ir winemaker Denis Malbec have fashioned very good examples, although they are much lighter and less concentrated and authoritative than the top vintages. The 2012s are among the finest wines Blankiet has yet made.

Yountville, Napa Valley, United States

Drinking window: 2022 – 2032

Blankiet’s 2012 Blankiet Estate Mythicus Paradise Hills Vineyard is a new wine that may become a permanent addition to the range. The debut vintage is certainly promising. Black fruit, cassis and grilled herbs lead to tobacco, smoke, incense and orange peel notes that add an exotic, intriguing dimension. The 2012 is rich and sensual yet also has plenty of underlying structure and pure explosiveness. Graphite, game and scorched earth all add complexity as this dark, brooding Cabernet Sauvignon shows off its personality and pedigree. I expect the Mythicus will require patience, but readers who can find the 2012 should not hesitate, as it is magnificent.

Antonio Galloni, November 2013

Grapes Variety: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Producer commentary
Claude and Katheri ne Blankiet spared no expense in making the best 2011s possible, and the results bear that out. Readers might enjoy this video , which was shot during the 2011 harvest. Among the 2011s, I can’t ignore the entry – level Prince of Hearts, which is one of the best Napa Valley wines in its price range. Overall, the 2011s are delicate, perfumed and impeccably balanced. The 2012s are also fabulous – readers may wish to watch videos from the archive of the 2012 harvest and a tasting of the 2012s shortly after bottling ( http://vinousmedia.com/multimedia/blankiet – with – claude – blankiet – and – denis – malbec – jun – 2013 ). Blankiet fans will note a new wine, the 100% Cabernet Sauvignon Mythicus, which may become a permanent a ddition. I also had a chance to taste a few 2013s from tank. The transformation that has taken place at Blankiet over the last few years under the direction of Denis and May – Britt Malbec is remarkable.

Blankiet’s Prince of Hearts Paradise Hills Vineyard is absolutely impeccable. Bright, floral and juicy, the 2011 impresses for its sense of proportion and harmony. Sweet spices, rose petals and raspberries flow through to the finish. The 2011 isn’t a huge wine, but it is without question one of the most delicious, pleasurable reds of the year, especially within its price range. The 2011 is 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot and drops of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.
— Antonio Galloni, November 2013

Grapes Variety: 76% Cabernet Sauvignon/21% Merlot/2% Cabernet Franc/1% Petit Verdot

Producer commentary
Claude and Katherine Blankiet spared no expense in making the best 2011s possible, and the results bear that out. Readers might enjoy this video, which was shot during the 2011 harvest. Among the 2011s, I can’t ignore the entry-level Prince of Hearts, which is one of the best Napa Valley wines in its price range. Overall, the 2011s are delicate, perfumed and impeccably balanced. The 2012s are also fabulous – readers may wish to watch videos from the archive of the 2012 harvest and a tasting of the 2012s shortly after bottling. Blankiet fans will note a new wine, the 100% Cabernet Sauvignon Mythicus, which may become a permanent addition. I also had a chance to taste a few 2013s from tank. The transformation that has taken place at Blankiet over the last few years under the direction of Denis and May-Britt Malbec is remarkable.