The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Samantha’s is composed of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and aged for 22 months in French oak, 63% new. Deep garnet-purple in color, it is a little closed to begin, soon unfurling to reveal pretty suggestions of lilacs, star anise, fragrant soil and Chinese five spice with a core of ripe black currants, boysenberries and black cherries plus a waft of cigar box. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a great mid-palate chock-full of muscular fruit, supported by well-played, velvety tannins, finishing with a perfumed lift. (LPB)

Ripe and juicy, with a solidly built core of blackberry and black currant paste flavors that meld with cocoa, loam and worn cedar hints. Light sparkle of anise at the very end adds a nice touch. (JM)

Family-owned property, organic certified. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, planted on volcanic bedrock with alluvial sediment overlay. Harvest started 3 September and concluded 27 September, a week before the 2017 fires. 63% new French oak. 650 cases made. Winemaker Natalie Bath was an intern at Rudd in 2012, became assistant winemaker in 2017, took over winemaking of Crossroads in 2018, and is now in charge of the Rudd wines as well. The wines have been trending towards less oak with a fresher bouquet and refreshing acidity.Ripe blackberries, black cherry, violet, cassis, wet rock, willow bark, blackberry leaf, browned pie crust, fresh acid, firm grippy slightly bitter cocoa-nib tannins, balanced oak. 18/20 points (SCJ)