Review by Antonio Galloni
Rating: (98)
A brooding, dense red, the 2013 Proprietary Red Paradise Hills Vineyard captures all of the mineral and savory intensity of the year. Today, the 2013 is incredibly tight and shut down, with massive tannins and structure backing up the fruit. It will be quite a few years before the 2013 is ready to deliver the full breadth of its potential. Even today, though, it is magnificent. Next to the Mythicus, the Proprietary Red is a bit more aromatic, with less overt oak influence in its flavor profile and contours. In 2013, the Cabernet Franc is higher than in either 2012 or 2014. The blend is 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc 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 wine.
