Our true Bordeaux Right Bank wine. Merlot with a touch of Cabernet Franc. This wine is gorgeously fruit forward with a core of minerality.
Review
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International Wine Report (Jan. 2020)
Review by J. D’Angelo
Rating: (95)
VIEWThe 2017 ‘Rive Droite’ is Blankiet’s Right-Bank inspired wine which is composed predominately of Merlot sourced from their Paradise Hills Vineyard. The Merlot was harvested in late August to early September, just before the seasons last heat spike which lasted ten days. As far as the wine itself, it is simply gorgeous, showing remarkable restraint and poise. It offers lovely aromatics of dark cherries and red currants which come together with spices, spring flowers, herbs and tobacco nuances which lift beautifully from the glass. On the palate it is medium-bodied and impeccably balanced, with a well-defined structure that supports the lavish mouthfeel. Classy and sophisticated, this is an utterly compelling wine from Blankiet in 2017 and while it is already captivating in its youth, the best is yet to come for this fabulous wine.
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Vinous (Jan. 2020)
Review by Antonio Galloni
Rating: (93)
VIEWThe 2017 Rive Droite Paradise Hills Vineyard is dense, plush and super-expressive; the juiciness of Merlot comes through nicely here. Black cherry, chocolate, licorice, menthol and gravel are front and center. A dollop of Cabernet Franc adds lovely savouriness and aromatic nuance. This is such a pretty and layered wine with tons of near- and medium-term appeal. Overall, the 2017 is a bit smaller scaled in build than normal, but it is a big success for a vintage that was especially challenging for Merlot.
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Jebb Dunnuck Report (Jan. 2020)
Review by Jebb Dunnuck
Rating: (96)
VIEWThe Merlot-dominated 2017 Merlot Rive Droite Paradise Hills Vineyard (there’s 4% Cabernet Franc in the blend) is also straight-up brilliant, showing tons of ripe black cherry, chocolate, coffee bean, and truffly herb aromas and flavors. Full-bodied and powerful, it has the same elegant tannin structure found in the Proprietary Red, nicely integrated acidity, terrific purity, and a great finish. It’s not for those looking for massive richness and decadence, but it has a purity, elegance, and minerality that makes it a joy to drink.
