The 2018 Cabernet Franc takes some time to unfold to dark cherries and chocolate with notes of fried herbs, violet and graphite. The full-bodied palate has loads of powdery tannins, bursts of fresh acidity, spicy fruits and alluring floral perfume that lingers on the finish. This was made entirely from free-run juice and was matured for 30 months in 100% new French oak. 97+ (EB)

Classy cabernet franc freshness with great varietal characters here, showing fresh leaves, undergrowth, green olives, cigar box, chili chocolate. Rich and full-bodied but still quite juicy, and not heavy at all. Firm, really sleek and silky with a long, lasting finish showing a hint of vanilla in the finish. Stunning now, but give it two or three years to integrate. Drink or hold.

Glass-staining ruby. Deep-pitched black and blue fruit and floral qualities on the nose, complemented by suggestions of vanilla, woodsmoke and succulent herbs. Chewy and youthfully taut on the palate, offering intense bitter cherry, black currant, licorice and espresso flavors that steadily become sweeter with aeration. Finishes impressively long and precise, with fine-grained tannins adding framework and final grip. Aged in new French oak barrels for 30 months. (JR)