2009 Blankiet Estate Prince of Hearts Paradise Hill Vineyard Rosé

The estate has also added a delicious 2009 Prince of Hearts Rose, which I highly suggest readers take a look at. It is a seriously made, packed and stacked rose with lots of strawberry liqueur notes intermixed with notions of crushed rocks and flower. This serious, slightly off dry rose can be enjoyed over the next year. Claude and Katherine Blankiet continue to make subtle changes in their winemaking at Blankiet Estate. Michel Rolland has been replaced by Denis Malbec, but superstar viticulturist David Abreu still manages this gorgeous hillside vineyard in the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains, just behind the large estate of Dominus. The 2008s have improved dramatically since last year, which may be the result of the culling out of certain lots for their second wine called Prince of Hearts. The 2007s essentially performed as well as they did last year, and it appears to be the greatest vintage yet produced at Blankiet. Tel. (707) 963-2001; Fax (707) 963-2012