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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Jebb Dunnuck Report (Jan. 2019)
Review by Jebb Dunnuck
Rating: (96)
VIEWThe 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.
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Vinous (Dec. 2018)
Review by Antonio Galloni
Rating: (93)
VIEWBlankiet’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.
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International Wine Report (May 2019)
Review by J. D’Angelo
Rating: (96)
VIEWThe 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.
