Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: 95 points

Composed of 82.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot and the rest tiny dollops of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, the 2008 Paradise Hills Vineyard Proprietary Red has added considerable richness, weight, texture, nuance and complexity over the last year. Aromas of chocolate, espresso, blackberries, black currants and charcoal/burning embers leads to a full-bodied, expressive, rich wine that is nearly as compelling as the 2007. Dense, full-bodied and already drinkable, it should evolve for 20+ years.

Review date: December 2010

Vinous: 94 points

(15.2% alcohol 82.5% Cabernet Sauvignon): Deep red with ruby highlights. Aromas of black cherry, cassis, licorice, wild herbs and menthol. At once savory and sweet, displaying lovely inner-mouth floral character to its dark berry, mineral and cedar flavors. This seamless, juicy wine finishes very subtle and long, with firm tannins and excellent length. Beginning with this vintage, Blankiet stopped using heavy-toast barrels. This "fire-and-ice" vintage produced the only vintage of the Blankiet flagship wine to surpass 15% alcohol. Denis Malbec, who took over winemaking duties here in February of 2010, put together the final blend.

Review date: May 2015