The 2018 Proprietary Red Paradise Hills Vineyard has really shut down since I tasted it last year. Energetic and vibrant, the 2018 sizzles with all of the energy of this cool, late-ripening vintage. Time in the glass brings out all of the savory and mineral intensity that is such a signature of the Blankiet wines these days. Readers should be prepared to cellar the 2018 for at least another handful of years. -- Antonio Galloni

Checking in as close to an even split of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with around 1% each of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the 2018 Prince Of Hearts Red offers a stunning, Bordeaux-like nose of red and black currants, new leather, lead pencil, graphite, and bouquet garni. With medium to full-bodied richness, a seamless, elegant texture, classy background oak, and a great finish, this head turner has plenty of richness, yet it's the balance, purity, and texture that keep you coming back to the glass. Bravo!

(96+ points) Composed of 84.1% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7.5% Merlot, 4.4% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot, the deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Proprietary Red Paradise Hills Vineyard delivers impactful scents of chocolate-covered cherries, crushed black currants, warm plums and mulberries with touches of camphor, iron ore, forest floor and black truffles. The medium-bodied palate is as elegant as it is intense, offering electric black fruit and earthy layers with loads of mineral sparks and a fine-grained frame, finishing with great length and compelling restraint.- LPB