2001 Blankiet "Paradise Hills" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Deep, saturated red with a dark core. Slightly reduced nose opened with air to reveal vibrant notes of dark berries, violet, game, licorice, lilac and menthol. Still extremely backward, showing a penetrating quality and terrific cut and lift, with the dark fruit, spice and licorice flavors complemented by toasty oak. A step up in body and length from the 2000 but these tannins too still call for some patience. (ST)