Bright and energetic, with soaring aromatics, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Les Pavots is utterly captivating from the first taste. A rush of blackberry, crushed rocks, graphite, rose petal, mint, lavender and blue/purplish fruit builds in the glass. All the pedigree of Knights Valley is on display. The 2017 is 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc, 14% Merlot and 7% Petit Verdot. It spent 18 months in Taransaud and Darnajou barrels. The team opted to bulk out 40% of the wine, so production is down sharply. The wine that was bottled, well, it's pretty special. -- Antonio Galloni

Composed of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot and 6% Petit Verdot, the 2017 Les Pavots comes from Knights Valley AVA. Deep garnet-purple in color, it leaps from the glass with vivacious notes of crushed black berries, Black Forest cake, blueberry compote and blackcurrant cordial with touches of camphor, lavender, tapenade and cigar box plus hints of mocha and pencil lead. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with muscular black fruits, framed by firm grainy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and savory. 2,050 cases were made. - LPB

This is marked by a core of lightly spicy cassis and plum fruit, accented by loganberry, mesquite and savory details. The structure is fine-grained, giving the finish good cut while an echo of violet curls around the fruit at the very end. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2022 through 2035. — J.M.