A co-fermented blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot from Oakville Ranch, aged for 19 months in 100% new French oak, using Darnajou barrels with a portion from Taransaud. In 2023, this is a killer wine, strikingly mineral-rich, with crushed ironstone and graphite layered with cassis and dark black fruit. Full-bodied and expressive, it carries excellent tension and energy throughout the palate. A subtle minty or bay laurel freshness emerges, a note that will likely reassert itself beautifully with time in bottle, in such a great way.

The flagship here and all from Oakville Ranch Vineyard, the 2023 Avoyelles Oakville comes from a co-ferment of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc that was aged 22 months in 100% new French oak. Its deep purple hue is followed by killer aromatics of currants, darker berries, chocolate, violets, and graphite, and it's deep, rich, and full-bodied on the palate, with velvety building tannins and incredible length. It's sensational in every way. Give it a few years and enjoy over the following three decades. Drink 2028-2058.

The 2023 Avoyelles is a blend of 47% Cabernet Franc, 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple colored, it pops from the glass with vibrant notes of black cherries, red currants, and cassis, with hints of menthol, candied violets, and tilled soil with a touch of fallen leaves. The full-bodied palate is tightly wound with energetic red and black berry layers framed by firm, grainy tannins and great tension, finishing long and ferrous.

There’s grace and balance, with lovely depth and purity. Aromas of blackberries, currants, dried herbs and flowers and crushed stones. The palate is taut and refined, with fine acidity and a generous texture underneath the mouthwatering minerality. The purity and tension are excellent. Made from 50% cabernet sauvignon, 47% cabernet franc and 3% petit verdot. Drink or hold.

(95-97 points) A blend of 55% Cabernet Franc and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2023 Avoyelles Oakville Ranch is a terrific effort. Extravagant florals join with dark plum notes on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is round, expansive, creamy and supple, then firm and long on the finish.- Joe Czerwinski

(96+ points) The 2023 Avoyelles is a cofermented blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc from Oakville Ranch. Deep and quite potent, the 2023 packs a very serious punch. Black fruit, gravel, incense, licorice, dried herbs, lavender and chocolate stain the palate. Red-toned Franc notes carry through the expressive mid-palate and finish. Give this a few years to settle down.

This is dark and alluring, with a steeped feel to its core of black currant and blackberry paste flavors as they move in lockstep with walnut husk, dark tobacco, cold cast iron and menthol notes. Well-structured, with an old-school feel buttressed by the vintage’s succulent edge. This will need a little patience. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2029 through 2043. 275 cases made.