Blankiet Paradise Hills Vineyard Proprietary Red 2013

Professional Ratings

• 98 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
  The 2013 Proprietary Red, which is 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, is another prodigious effort from Blankiet. Inky purple, with notes of lead pencil shavings, white chocolate, espresso bean, blackberry and cassis, the wine hits the palate with a crescendo of blue and black fruits, a touch of toast, licorice and foresty notes. Stunningly rich, full-bodied and impressive, this wine will age for at least 30 more years. It is hard to believe that Claude Blankiet’s first vintage was 1999. Of course, this is a fabulous vineyard that also looks marvelous from the famous Route 29. This is pure Yountville AVA on the eastern slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains, just above the valley floor vineyard of Christian Moueix’s Dominus. Blankiet’s blends are made by Denis Malbec, who also works not too far away as the consultant for Kapcsandy. These wines often need time in bottle to show their character, and I thought the 2012s performed even better than they did from barrel. The 2013s look incredible as well. These may be Blankiet’s two greatest vintages to date, even eclipsing the 2001s and 2002s.