More minerality, graphite, and scorched earth notes emerge from the 2018 Les Pavots. Full-bodied and uber-concentrated, it reveals building tannins, awesome mid-palate depth, and one heck of a great finish. It's a serious, powerful, blockbuster beauty that also holds onto perfect balance and a beautiful sense of elegance. It will keep for two decades or more.

Jeb Dunnuck | 97 JD

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Complex nose of red fruit, berries and wood, together with a floral note. It’s a full-bodied red with firm texture. Succulent and structured. The tannins are firm and lead to a long, savory finish. Lots of earth, spice, pine needle and chocolate to the currant-fruit character. 51% Knights Valley and 49% Oakville. Mostly cabernet sauvignon with cabernet franc, merlot and petit verdot. Try after 2023.

James Suckling | 95 JS

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Alluring, with a mix of gently steeped plum and raspberry fruit carried by a polished yet persistent structure, picking up light tobacco, alder and incense notes. Late tug of earth adds nice range on the rich finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2032. 3,255 cases made.

Wine Spectator | 93 WS

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A blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot, the 2018 L'Esprit des Pavots comes from 51% Knights Valley AVA and 49% Oakville AVA. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it wafts out of the glass with compelling floral notes of dried roses and lavender over a core of Morello cherries, juicy plums, fresh blackberries and black raspberries. Full-bodied, the palate is completely coated and black and red fruit preserves flavors, supported by fine-grained tannins and a lively backbone, finishing long and fragrant. 1,707 cases were made.

Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 92 RP

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