Strong and rich nose, powerful and expressive with dark chocolate and dark black berry fruit. Stewed, concentrated, jammy, this is rich and abundant, generous in terms of fruit with a spiced, slightly iron-rich tang on the tongue. Vanilla and cinnamon give a sense of aromatic spice, alongside tobacco, scrubland notes and menthol elements. Quite direct, not so much expansion in the mouth, rather more focussed but with depth and length of flavour. Good freshness and I like the clarity you get on the mid palate. Long length, it's got the trademarks of Napa abundance but I like the nuance. Luc Morlet consultant. 5% Petit Verdot completed the blend. Ageing 18 months in 100% French oak barrels. Drinking Window: 2024 - 2040

Decanter | 94 DEC

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Blended from sites in both Napa (Oakville) and Sonoma, the 2019 L'Esprit Des Pavots could be considered a killer “second wine,” revealing a nose that is fresh with black plum, vanilla, and crushed purple flowers. The palate is rich, inviting, and deceptively easy-drinking, with juicy fruit and refreshing acidity that pulls through it to encourage you to go back for more. Drink now and over the next 15 years.

Jeb Dunnuck | 94 JD

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This has slightly leafy character with aromas of ripe berries, baking spices, chocolate and cedar wood. Soft and mellow with a full body and firm tannins. Holds even with delicious notes of cassis and chocolate. 30% cabernet franc, 28% merlot, 26% cabernet sauvignon and 16% petit verdot. Try now, but better after 2024.

James Suckling | 94 JS

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The 2019 L'Esprit des Pavots is absolutely gorgeous. Soft, supple and utterly engaging, the Esprits is a real charmer. Succulent dark cherry, plums, mocha, herbs licorice, new leather, scorched earth and cloves all meld together effortlessly. Silky tannins frame the supple finish nicely.

Antonio Galloni | 93 AG

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Delivers a big blast of seductive fruit, including crushed blackberry, boysenberry and mulberry, along with lively bramble, licorice and singed cedar notes before ending with a hint of dark earth to keep everything honest. A showy style, but very well done. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2034. 3,088 cases made.

Wine Spectator | 93 WS

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A blend of fruit from Knights Valley (74%) and Oakville (26%), the 2019 L'Esprit des Pavots is a blend of 30% Cabernet Franc, 28% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon and 16% Petit Verdot. Even more open and supple than the Les Pavots or Au Paradis, it offers boatloads of ripe cherries and cassis in a full-bodied but plush, easy-drinking format. It has the requisite concentration to age at least a decade, but there's no real need to defer your pleasure with this wine.

Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 92 RP

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