Review by Robert Parker
Rating: (94)
The 2008 Rive Droite Proprietary Red (68.5% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Franc, 7.5% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon; 320 cases produced) offers soaring, complex aromas of barbecue smoke, juicy black currants, chocolate-infused black cherries, mocha, camphor and incense are intense as well as persuasive. This opulent, full-bodied wine possesses good density and abundant complexity. It comes close in quality to the brilliant 2007. The precocious 2008 should continue to offer provocative drinking over the next 12-15 years.
Claude and Katherine Blankiet continue to make subtle changes in their winemaking at Blankiet Estate. Michel Rolland has been replaced by Denis Malbec, but superstar viticulturist David Abreu still manages this gorgeous hillside vineyard in the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains, just behind the large estate of Dominus. The 2008s have improved dramatically since last year, which may be the result of the culling out of certain lots for their second wine called Prince of Hearts. The 2007s essentially performed as well as they did last year, and it appears to be the greatest vintage yet produced at Blankiet.
