We didn’t visit Blankiet this year but I wanted to try the 2011 with our group while we were in Napa so I ordered a bottle to be picked up at the winery. We had a chance to spend some time with Claude when we dropped by and I thought I would share some of his thoughts on the topics we discussed.
They had picked that morning and were sorting fruit so we got to try some and it was outstanding. Claude is very happy with 2013 and I can see why.The fruit was just delicious. Vibrant and full of flavor. I then asked him if he had tried the 10 estate recently and he said it was drinking very well. He beamed and then laughed that he saved very little for his library which he would regret. I’ve not opened any of mine yet back home but will give one a try this winter. We then talked a bit about the 11 Prince. He recommended a vigourous decant as it was only bottle 2 months ago but he was very happy in how it turned out.
We tried it with dinner a few days later with slow cooked pork shoulder. I was really impressed with this wine. Dark fruits, savory herbs and some dark chocolate were on the nose and followed through on the palate. It was vibrant and balanced and went really well with food. It reminded me a bit of Drinkward’s 2011. Another wine meant to drink not taste. Either with food or on it’s own. I am not going to buy alot of the 11’s but feel this is a very good buy for the price point.
On a side note we had an oppty to spend some time with Denis Malbec later in the trip and I mentioned how much we liked this wine. He is very happy with how it turned out and the committment Claude has to having a “2nd wine” and the quality that it needs to be.
Cheers
Fred