2012 Blankiet Estate Rive Droite Paradise Hills Vineyard Red
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Tasting notes
Another compelling wine was the 2012 Rive Droite, which is Blankiet’s homage to Right Bank Pomerols from Bordeaux. A blend of 95.8% Merlot and 4.2% Cabernet Franc, there are 380 cases of this sexpot of a wine. This could easily be mistaken for a Napa Valley version of Petrus. Loads of mulberry fruit, licorice, crème de cassis, mocha and toffee are present in this huge, full-bodied, super-opulent and luscious wine. This is about as seductive and rich as dry wine can be, and the wine can be drunk now or cellared for another 15-20 years. This is a killer effort! Their cuvée of all the culled out lots is called the Prince of Hearts.
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Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2012 Rive Droite Paradise Hills Vineyard, Blankiet's Merlot-based red is deep, opulent and expressive. Black cherry, plum, mocha, spice and leather all meld together in a sumptuous, sensual red that captures the personality of the year in spades. The blend is 95.8% Merlot and 4.2% Cabernet Franc.
The 2012 Rive Droite Paradise Hills Vineyard impresses for its pliant, round personality. Dark red and black stone fruits, cinnamon and mint with a hint of savory overtones from the Cabernet Franc are all laced together in the glass. This is one of the more delicate wines of the vintage. The 2012 has softened considerably over the last two years, which suggests it is more of a near and medium-term drinker. In 2012, the Rive Droit is all class and finesse.
(96% merlot and 4% cabernet franc; aging in 95% new oak): Good deep red-ruby. High-pitched aromas of cassis, rose petal, violet, fresh herbs and cedary oak. Concentrated, seamless and sweet, but with terrific inner-mouth energy to the dark berry and floral flavors. Finishes with outstanding length and lift, the tannins fully supported by the wine's fruit.