2003 Blankiet "Paradise Hills Vineyard" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
SKU #1040643
96 points
Wine Advocate
The 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Paradise Hills Estate (14.5% natural alcohol) enjoyed the same upbringing as the Merlot. Its dark opaque plum/purple color is followed by more restrained aromatics of creme de cassis, vanillin and sweet barbecue/charcoal notes. Full-bodied and rich with more structured, tannic flavors, a sweet mid-palate, a beautiful core of ripe fruit, terrific purity and density, and the great character one expects from this site, it will benefit from another 3-4 years of cellaring, and should keep for two decades, fulfilling proprietor Claude Blankiet’s ambition to make a world-class wine. (RP) 96+
(6/2013)
93 points
Vinous
High-pitched aromas of cassis, blackberry, minerals, flowers, licorice and leather are a bit less fruity than those of the 2002. Juicy and suave in the mouth, with penetrating acidity giving the wine excellent vibrancy for its vintage. Finishes with huge, mouth-saturating tannins that still need time. 'But this wine in 750-milliliter bottles is ready to drink,' noted Claude Blankiet. (ST)
(3/2015)