2015 Blankiet Estate Rive Droite Paradise Hills Vineyard Red
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Tasting notes
The 2015 Rive Droite Paradise Hills Vineyard is perhaps just a bit more open aromatically than the Proprietary Red, but it, too, has reached its tenth birthday in grand style. Supple contours and soft red-toned fruit caress the palate. Dollops of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot play off a core of Merlot, adding layers of floral and savory presence. This is just sublime. The 2015 is incredibly elegant. It looks like it will be the first of the top 2015 to mature.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2015 Rive Droite is the most reticent of these 2015s today. In 2015, the Rive Droite has more structure and power than is typically the case, which may be a result of the higher percentage of Cabernet Franc in the blend. I imagine the 2015 is going to need at least a number of years in bottle to be at its best. There is plenty of intrigue, with myriad savory notes that emerge over time. Even so, patience will be rewarded. The 2015 Rive Droite is a fabulous wine by any measure.
The 2015 Rive Droite Paradise Hills Vineyard is a medium-bodied, supple, elegant wine based on 93% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc. It offers pretty notes of plums, flowers, and cedar wood, moderate concentration, and a supple, open-knit style on the palate. Drink it over the coming 10-15 years. These releases from Claude Blankiet (whose first vintage was in 1999) come from a hillside vineyard located on the western slopes of Yountville.
Composed mainly of Merlot with a splash of Cabernet Franc, the ultra-sensuous 2015 Rive Droite Paradise Hills Vineyard reveals a medium to deep garnet-purple color and gorgeous nose of allspice, cinnamon, dried roses and lavender over a core of preserved plums, blueberry compote and mulberries. The elegant, beautifully poised medium to full-bodied palate weaves in an earthy element among the perfumed black fruits, framed by firm yet oh-so-finely grained tannins, finishing long and softly spoken. Very classy wine!