2005 Blankiet Cabernet “Paradise Hills”

Paul and I enjoyed this amazing cabernet by winemaker Helen Turley. Blankiet Estate was created in 1996 by Claude Blankiet and his wife, Katherine. From 46 acres on the foothills of the Mayacamas range, 16 acres of vineyard has been developed by renowned viticulturist David Abreu. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc were planted on volcanic ash and fractured rock, and Merlot on the clay deposited by streams draining the mountain ridge above.

Helen Turley was hired as winemaker and responsible for the first eight vintages. Then in 2006, Martha McClellan-Levy took over winemaking, assisted by oenologist, Michel Rolland from Pomerol.

Wine Details

Vintage: 2005

Varietal: Cabernet

Appelation: Yountville – Napa Valley

Winemaker: Helen Turley

Notes: Agd in 100% Taransaud French oak Barrels and stored in caves for 18 to 24 months before bottling without filtration or fining.

When we initially opened the wine to let it breath, the cork was leaking, and had us alarmed at first. The wine however was not bad. We are probably lucky we decided to drink it.

Deep dark ruby color. On the nose, dark fruit of Blackberry, and curant. dark chocolate, coffee, nice minerals, and star anise, On the palate the wine is full and round, firm but integrated tannins. The finish was extravagant and long lasting. The Blankiet has the stuff to lay down easily for 10-12 years and improve over the next 3-5. This wine absolutley rocks!!

I am not sure what Stephen Tanzer was tasting when he gave this a 92 rating in May of this year. I am giving this wine a much higher rating, RP gave it a 95

Rating: 96 JH

EDIT (09/23)- My extremely knowledgeable wine friend Tommy S. said that the 2004 was the last year that Helen Turley made Blankiet, and that Martha Levy, the winemaker for Sloan and the wife of the Harlan and Bond winemaker was the winemaker. He also said he barrel tasted to 2006 and it was a show stopper.