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Vinous (Oct. 2015) Review of 2012 Prince of Hearts, Paradise Hills Vineyard

Prince of Hearts Red Wine New

Review by Antonio Galloni

Rating: (92)


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

 

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