Moving to the top releases, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Mon Chevalier comes from Knights Valley and was brought up in puncheons. A gorgeous bouquet of sandalwood, violets, loamy earth, and incense as well as some iron-laced black and blue fruits flow to a rounded, supple, incredibly textured Cabernet that has sweet tannins, a stacked mid-palate, and a great finish. It’s already terrific yet will keep for 20-25 years or more.

(96+ points) The estate-grown 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Mon Chevalier is a blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 1% Malbec and 1% Petit Verdot. Very deep purple-black in color, it charges forth with intense notes of crushed black cherries, black berry preserves and cassis scents with touches of spearmint, Indian spices, espresso and dried lavender plus a waft of roses. Full-bodied, the palate reveals incredible restraint, slowly revealing earth and black fruit layers framed by firm, grainy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing very long and spicy. 750 cases produced, to be released in the fall of 2019.- LPB

The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Mon Chevalier is still a baby. I would not bother opening a bottle anytime soon. Dark and potent, with huge tannins, the 2016 packs a serious punch of intensity. A whole range of floral and mineral notes begin to emerge, but the 2016 is searing in its intensity. I expected a bit more here given the pedigree of the year. Perhaps that will come in time. -- Antonio Galloni