Review
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International Wine Report
Review by Joe D'Angelo
Rating: (96)
VIEWThe 2021 ‘Prince of Music’ is nothing short of spectacular in this vintage. Composed predominately of Cabernet Sauvignon (89.7%) with the remainder of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and a touch of Merlot. It instantly impresses with its stunning aromas of black currants, black cherries, spices, graphite, tobacco, floral and crushed gravel, which all come together in perfect harmony. On the palate this possesses a gorgeous full body that is well-structured with beautifully polished tannins. It also shows wonderful overall balance, concentration and poise as it continues to deliver gorgeous ripe dark fruit, tobacco and spice flavors that all build through the precise finish. The ‘Prince of Music’ is simply fabulous today and should also age remarkably well for years to come.
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Vinous
Review by Antonio Galloni
Rating: (92)
VIEWThe 2021 Prince of Music is a gorgeous entry-level offering from Blankiet. Supple and racy, with beautifully forward fruit, the 2021 is seriously impressive, not to mention incredibly delicious. Soft contours and lifted floral accents lend freshness and verve to this mid-weight, saline-tinged Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend. What a delight!
Blankiet was one of the highlights of my time in Napa Valley this fall. The 2021s are simply mind-blowing. Proprietors Katherine and Claude Blankiet richly deserve all the acclaim they will surely receive for these wines. The Blankiets have put in the time and money to realize their ambition of producing world-class wines. Along the way, they have made the mistakes that are typical of all new ventures but have always done what was needed to address those issues.
Winemaker Graeme MacDonald found a finely tuned machine when he took over for Denis and May-Britt Malbec and had the skill to make the necessary adjustments to reach the next level without drastically changing the wines. Yields were down about 15% in 2021. MacDonald gave the wines 40-50 days on the skins, which worked well.
I tasted the 2021s twice, once at the winery and a second time at home in New York, just to make sure I had not been overly seduced by the magic of Napa Valley during the fall. The wines were nothing short of thrilling on both occasions. This is the vintage that places Blankiet squarely among the most elite wineries in Napa Valley. Bravo!
From The 2021 Napa Valley Cabernets, Part One (Dec 2023) by Antonio Galloni
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Jeb Dunnuck Report (Dec. 2023)
Review by Jeb Dunnuck
Rating: (94)
VIEWReader’s will love the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Prince of Music, which is up there with some of the best values in Napa Valley. Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, but includes some Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Merlot. Notes of blackcurrants, savory cherries, iron, tobacco, and chocolate all define its aromatics, and it’s medium to full-bodied, with a plump, layered mouthfeel and a great finish.
