Elegance Uncorked: The Napa Winery That thrived in 2023

Blankiet Estate is a small, high‐end winery founded in 1996 by Claude and Katherine Blankiet, situated on the western foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains above Yountville, in Napa Valley. The estate—called Paradise Hills Vineyard—was developed with a clear goal: to produce wines of world‑class, first‑growth caliber, combining power with elegance. Blankiet is committed to organic farming and meticulous vineyard work. Practices include very low yields, detailed cluster and berry selection (both in the field and via an advanced sorting table), “mini‑harvests” (isolating blocks/rows when they reach optimal ripeness), and proactive management of heat (shade cloths, misting systems) to protect fruit integrity.

Blankiet produces a limited number of wines: its flagship is the Proprietary Red, comprising mostly Cabernet Sauvignon blended with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. Then there is Mythicus (100% Cabernet Sauvignon from top blocks), Rive Droite (a Merlot‑dominated Bordeaux‑Right‑Bank inspired blend with a touch of Cabernet Franc), and finally Prince of Hearts, which uses the barrels or lots not selected for the flagship wines. A rosé and a rare port‑style wine also form part of their portfolio.

In 2023, Blankiet Estate excelled in crafting wines that beautifully captured the essence of their Paradise Hills vineyard, showcasing exceptional purity, a deep sense of place, and distinctive character. Under the meticulous direction of winemaker Graeme MacDonald, the estate focused on micro-harvesting by soil type and exposure, allowing each block to express its unique identity. The resulting wines were elegant yet powerful, marked by precise fruit, refined structure, and vibrant energy. From the flagship Proprietary Red to the single-varietal “Mythicus,” each bottling conveyed the vineyard’s complex volcanic and alluvial soils, cool microclimate, and low-intervention philosophy—demonstrating that Blankiet’s 2023 vintage was not only technically impressive but emotionally resonant and true to its terroir.

To find out more about Blankiet visit their website.