2004 Blankiet Estate Merlot Paradise Hills Vineyard
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Tasting notes
The 2004 Merlot Paradise Hills Estate offers a big, sweet kiss of cassis, kirsch, spice and spring flowers. Rich, medium to full-bodied and seemingly close to full maturity, it is easily capable of lasting 10-15+ years. The aromatics smell just like a great Pomerol. This boutique estate situated on the hillsides behind Dominus has employed some of the best wine minds in Napa. The 2004s spent 18 months in 100% new Taransaud barrels, and were bottled without fining or filtration. Tel. (707) 963-2001
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(includes 10% cabernet franc) Deep, complex nose combines plum syrup, violet, tobacco, licorice, minerals and game; there's something quite Bordeaux-like about this. Dry, broad, suave and seamless, with complicating hints of black olive and smoke. This is wonderfully full without being at all heavy. Finishes long and ripe. This will go truffley with bottle aging.
Good deep ruby-red. Pungent aromas of blackberry, black raspberry, violet, licorice and mint. Sweet, smooth and full, with strong fruit complicated by truffle, game and chocolatey nuances and nicely framed by harmonious acids. Finishes with some torrefaction notes and ripe tannins. This was picked during the hot first week of September.