One of the six “Napa Valley Super-seconds” according to Robert M. Parker and Antonio Galloni. A Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc from barrels not culled for the flagship cuvées.
Review
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Wine Advocate # 192 (Dec. 2010)
Review by Robert Parker
Rating: (90)
VIEWThe 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 Michel Rolland has been replaced by Denis Malbec, but superstar viticulturist David Abreu still manages this gorgeous hillside vineyard in the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains, just behind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.
