2015 Proprietary Red, Paradise Hills Vineyard

The 2015 Proprietary Red is a model of total elegance and finesse. Lifted and aromatically expressive, but also quite deep, the 2015 is another wine that is surprisingly fresh and vibrant. Aromatically expressive and nuanced, the 2015 is silky and plush on the palate, yet also remains remarkably tight on its feet. This is one of the most exquisitely beautiful, riveting wines I have tasted from Claude and Katherine Blankiet.

A big step up, the 2015 Proprietary Red Paradise Hills Vineyard is predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon blended with 7% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot. There 450 cases of this elixir and it offers tremendous cassis, white chocolate, spice and lead pencil-like aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, balanced, with integrated acidity, and remarkable purity, I suspect it will be even better with short-term cellaring and keep for 10-15 years.

A Bordeaux blend of mainly Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller portions of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the 2015 Proprietary Red Paradise Hills Vineyard sports a deep garnet-purple color and is profoundly scented of crushed blackcurrants and blackberries with fragrant menthol, tilled soil, pencil shavings and Indian spice notions. Medium to full-bodied and tightly knit at this youthful stage, it has a solid frame of ripe, fine-grained tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long and lively. It really needs another 2-3 years in bottle to really strut its stuff, then should drink beautifully for the next 20+ years.