2004 Blankiet Estate, Paradise Hills Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, Bottle (750ml)

RP96 "The dense ruby/purple-colored 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Paradise Hills Estate reveals notes of cocoa, coffee, chocolate and creme de cassis. It cuts a bigger swath across the palate than the Merlot, but with no hard edges. Deeply textured and multidimensional with loads of fruit as well as a flawless integration of acidity, alcohol, tannin and wood, this medium to full-bodied, classic Blankiet should continue to drink well for another 15-20 years." RP Apr 2014

This is an amazing operation on the hillsides overlooking the huge Dominus/Napanook estate. A complex set of caves and a remarkable, nearly surreal chateau grace the property. Winemaker Helen Turley, working with her viticulturalist husband, John Wetlaufer, is fashioning some spectacular wines from these hillsides of volcanic ash and basalt. These are big, structured, potentially long-lived wines that will need some cellar time for those lucky enough to latch onto a few bottles. Everything to date has been aged in 100% new Taransaud barrels for 18-19 months and then bottled unfiltered.