2014 Blankiet Estate Rive Droite Paradise Hills Vineyard
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Tasting notes
The 2014 Rive Droite, which is their Right Bank homage to Pomerol, is a blend of 92% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc. They make 420 cases of this wine, but the 2014 seems somewhat disappointing based on my previous barrel tastings of it. It seemed slightly disjointed, fresh, soft, easygoing and consumer friendly, but largely uninspiring. That’s a surprise given the number of fabulous wines that have been produced at Blankiet Estates since 1999. Drink it over the next decade.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Blankiet's 2014 Rive Droite Paradise Hills Vineyard is just as impressive from bottle as it was from barrel. Dark, rich and inviting, the 2014 wraps around the palate with pure sensuality and class. Dark stone fruit, smoke, mocha and espresso are all fused together in a deep, beautifully layered wine. The 2014 is at once rich but not at all heavy. In many ways, it captures the very best the vintage has to offer.
The 2014 Rive Droite Paradise Hills Vineyard also benefits from an extra kick of the vintage's signature aromatics that balances the overtness and juiciness of the Merlot. Bright and silky throughout, the 2014 is another wine built on finesse. This is an especially delicate, lithe Rive Droite.
The 2014 Rive Droite Paradise Hills Vineyard is a big, heady wine. It shows notable intensity in its dark fruit, something that is reinforced by its stronger oak imprint vis-à-vis the Proprietary Red. Dark-fleshed fruit, espresso, spice and floral overtones add to an impression of virile intensity. Overall, the 2014 feels a bit pushed, but it is nicely done. It is clearly a wine of its time.