2017 Rive Droite Merlot
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The Merlot-dominated 2017 Merlot Rive Droite Paradise Hills Vineyard (there's 4% Cabernet Franc in the blend) is also straight-up brilliant, showing tons of ripe black cherry, chocolate, coffee bean, and truffly herb aromas and flavors. Full-bodied and powerful, it has the same elegant tannin structure found in the Proprietary Red, nicely integrated acidity, terrific purity, and a great finish. It's not for those looking for massive richness and decadence, but it has a purity, elegance, and minerality that makes it a joy to drink.
Critic scores
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2017 Rive Droite Paradise Hills Vineyard is dense, plush and super-expressive; the juiciness of Merlot comes through nicely here. Black cherry, chocolate, licorice, menthol and gravel are front and center. A dollop of Cabernet Franc adds lovely savoriness and aromatic nuance. This is such a pretty and layered wine with tons of near- and medium-term appeal. Overall, the 2017 is a bit smaller-scaled in build than normal, but it is a big success for a vintage that was especially challenging for Merlot.
The 2017 Rive Droite Paradise Hills Vineyard is the least expressive of Blankiet's 2017s today. My impression is that the Merlot has likely suffered more than Cabernet during the heat spikes of 2017, as the Rive Droite comes across as decidedly medium in body, with less textural depth than is typical.