2009 Blankiet "Rive Droite - Paradise Hills Vineyard" Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend

“One of the finest Merlot-based wines in all of California, the 2009 Rive Droite Paradise Hills Vineyard is a blend of 79.8% Merlot, 11.8% Cabernet Franc and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon. Unfortunately, there are only 200 cases compared to 510 cases of the 2009 Proprietary Red. It finished at 15.2% alcohol, and reminded me of the pre-1975 vintages of Petrus. Robust and full-bodied with abundant notes of kirsch, mocha, mulberry and plum fruit intertwined with grilled meat and charcuterie, new saddle leather and fudge characteristics. (RP)” (10/2013)

“Our Napa pairing starts with the 2009 Rive Droite, Blankiet’s Merlot-based flagship wine. This is clearly Napa. Bottled sunshine, the 2009 is open-knit and incredibly sensual from the outset. Dark red cherry, kirsch, rose petal and sweet spice build into the creamy finish. My only quibble with the 2009 is that the oak remains a bit dominant, but that was the style back then at Blankiet. Today’s wines are better balanced, in my view. (AG)” (02/2023)