2018 Blankiet Estate, Napa Valley

Blankiet Estate's Paradise Hills Vineyard, organically farmed and Napa Green Certified, sits on the Mayacamas foothills above Yountville, featuring diverse volcanic, alluvial clay, and fractured rock soils with east/southeast exposures optimized for phenolic development. The 2018 growing season, characterized by moderate temperatures and extended hangtime, allowed for slow, even ripening and balanced sugar-acid accumulation, preserving freshness and vibrancy. Meticulous viticulture, including shade cloths and misting systems, coupled with night harvesting and optical sorting, ensures optimal fruit integrity. Fermented in small stainless steel tanks after cold maceration, the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation and then ages two years in 100% new French oak in underground caves, developing ultra-fine tannins and a polished, structured profile without fining or filtration. This Bordeaux-varietal blend, predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, embodies the vintage's harmonious balance and capacity for graceful evolution.