Blankiet Prince of Hearts Paradise Hills Vineyard Red Wine Napa Valley 2021

Finding an excellent Cabernet blend that is under the radar AND has a reputation doesn’t always come easily. We found it in the prestigious Blankiet Estate’s Prince of Hearts. Known for its supreme and esteemed, collectible, and noteworthy Cabernet and Bordeaux blends, Blankiet creates polished, carefully crafted masterpieces designed for lovers of the finest wines from around the globe. Since the 2008 vintage, the team has produced a small amount of Prince of Hearts. Robert Parker and Antonio Galloni offer the name “Super Second” when a Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc hails from barrels not destined for the flagship cuvees. An aptly named bottling that we consider one of the finest Napa Bordeaux-style blends, the silkiness, the unadulterated purity of fruit, and the complex aromas can entrancingly capture one’s heart upon simply experiencing its beauty. Many storied names have been associated with Blankiet since they opened their doors in 1996: David Abreu, Helen Turley, Martha McClellan, Michel Rolland, the late Denis Malbec, and the new chapter was ushered in by the watchful eye and incredible talent of Graeme MacDonald. Through his eponymous family project in Oakville, and through his work with the inimitable Kongsgaard Winery, we continue our belief that the Blankiet wines will inspire wine lovers for years and years to come. Prince of Hearts is a delicious, medium to full-bodied Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc.

"The 2021 Prince of Hearts is composed of 47.3% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40.1% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 3.6% Petit Verdot. This is the second wine of the estate. The amount of Merlot has slightly increased over the last few years, making it a distinctive wine. Deep garnet-purple in color, it springs from the glass with bright, cheery notes of Morello cherries, juicy blackberries, and fresh plums followed by hints of redcurrant jelly, cinnamon stick, and rosebud tea. The full-bodied palate is juicy and plush, with bags of red and black berry layers and a lively line lifting the fragrant finish." Lisa Perrotti-Brown