Blankiet Estate, located near Yountville in Napa Valley, was founded by Claude and Katherine Blankiet in 1996 after a three-year search for ideal hillside vineyard land. The estate encompasses 47 acres, with 16 acres planted primarily to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and smaller amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The vineyard's unique terroir features rocky, volcanic soil, which challenges vine growth, resulting in smaller, more concentrated grapes. The winery employs innovative practices, including a misting system to protect grapes during heat spikes and shading materials to shield fruit from excessive sunlight. The first vintage was produced in 1999, with meticulous harvesting practices that involve multiple mini-harvests and extensive sorting to ensure only the best grapes are used. Blankiet Estate focuses on producing two flagship proprietary red wines each year, which are neither fined nor filtered and aged in new French oak. The estate also produces a rosé and a port-style wine under the Prince of Hearts label. The current winemaker is Graeme MacDonald, following the legacy of Denis Malbec. Visitors can expect a commitment to quality and innovation in both vineyard management and winemaking at Blankiet Estate.
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Yountville, CA, United States of America