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Merlot · North Coast
97 points from Robert Parker.
“From their beautiful hillside vineyards situated behind the vast estate of Dominus, Blankiet has produced a 2003 Merlot Paradise Hills Estate (14.9% natural alcohol) offering a gorgeously complex bouquet of Chinese black tea, black currants, earth, chocolate and a touch of mocha. Frankly, I'm not sure a Napa Merlot can be any more complex than this. With a deep plum/purple color and round, juicy, full-bodied opulence, this 2003 could easily compete with the greatest Pomerols or St.-Emilions. Made from 100% Merlot, it was aged 18 months in 100% new Taransaud barrels, which provide the chocolaty, espresso notes. This sensational wine is showing even better than I remember. Impressive, rich and long, it is close to full maturity, but should easily last for another decade or more in a cold cellar.”
Every detail we hold on this bottle, in one place, so you know exactly what is going into your cellar.
Claude and Katherine Blankiet searched many years for a track of land on the western foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains in the Napa Valley with the single vision of producing world class wines. In January of 1996 they had the chance to view an undeveloped hillside above the Napanook vineyard in Yountville that their agent had secured a hold for one day. Without any hesitation, the Blankiets bought the land on the spot and named it Paradise Hills.
Paradise Hills Vineyard is located on three volcanic knolls separated by alluvial swells deposited by the creeks draining the mountain range. Soil profiles vary from deeply fractured rocks and volcanic ash to thick clay deposits. Viticulturist David Abreu and winemaker Helen Turley were brought in to develop Paradise Hills Vineyard into four distinct sections. Each sub-section is distinguished by unique subsoil and microclimate. Moreover, meticulously selected root stocks were grafted with clonal varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot procured from first growth Bordeaux estates.
One bottle, 750 ml, of the 2003 vintage.
Local pickup is by appointment only. If you choose pickup at checkout, please email leo@cultwine.com to schedule your pickup.
Winemaker Helen Turley, at Blankiet Estate, owned by Claude Blankiet.
Yes. You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase.
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