2012 Blankiet Estate Mythicus Cabernet Sauvignon Paradise Hills Vineyard

The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Mythicus comes across as quite closed today, with the structural elements dominating the wine's balance. Most of Blankiet's 2012s are open and expressive today, but the Mythicus is not. In this tasting, the Mythicus is dark, brooding and totally shut down, which is probably a good thing for the future.

(100% Cabernet Sauvignon): Bright ruby-red. Knockout Cabernet nose combines currant, licorice menthol and wild herbs; brooding but not overly dark. Utterly seamless and glossy on the palate yet at the same time sharply delineated, with outstanding floral lift to the dark berry and bitter chocolate flavors. For all its early sex appeal and noble tannins, this wonderfully sappy, extremely long wine is very backward today and in need of extended aging. An addition to the range, the Mythicus is a new 100% Cabernet Sauvignon bottling that debuts in 2012.

(100% cabernet sauvignon; 100% new oak): Deep ruby-red, the darkest of these 2012s. Lovely floral lift to the aromas of blueberry, cassis, licorice and menthol. Densely packed and brooding, communicating an impression of chewy solidity without any undue weight. An inner-mouth floral quality accentuates the sappy character of this extremely pure cabernet. Finishes quite firm, with lovely lingering perfume and a light touch. This new bottling is made from the estate's top cabernet sauvignon, which also forms the base for Blankiet's Proprietary Red.