2014 Proprietary Red, Paradise Hills Vineyard

The 2014 Proprietary Red Paradise Hills Vineyard is dark, sensual and inviting. Black cherry, mocha, plum, menthol, licorice and mint open up in the wine's aromatics, but it is the polish and total finesse of the tannins that truly stand out. I expect the 2014 will drink well with minimal cellaring. This is a striking wine from Claude and Katherine Blankiet.

Blankiet's 2014 Proprietary Red Paradise Hills Vineyard is bright, aromatic and focused. Sweet red cherry, plum, blueberry, mint and spice are all pushed forward. The 2014 is an especially delicate, polished wine with exceptional purity and fabulous overall balance. Still quite primary, the 2014 has a long way to go, but it is striking today for its freshness and nuance. The 2014 had only been racked once at the time of this tasting, a testament to how little and gently these wines are handled in the cellar.

The 2014 Proprietary Red Paradise Hills Vineyard is gorgeous. Dark, layered and resonant, the 2014 is so expressive today. Black cherry, plum, licorice, new leather, incense and mocha build in the glass. Pliant and medium in body, with tons of grace, the Paradise Hills is exquisite. Interestingly, the oak is a bit more evident than it is in Mythicus.