The 2023 Les Pavots comes from an incredibly long growing season for this cuvée and is a blend of fairly typical varieties for the estate. It pours a coating youthful saturated red/purple color, and the nose reveals notes of cassis, lavender, mint, cocoa nib, licorice, and cedar. Full-bodied, it has a refined, supple texture with a delicate, creamy feel that remains youthful at this stage, with even, velvety tannins and refreshing acidity without overpowering weight. Notes of rosemary, pine, and dark stones start to shine as it opens, along with resinous herbs. Full-bodied, it has a lot of length and starts to show real flash without alcohol heat. I would recommend this over the coming 15-20 years. Drink 2027-2047.

The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Les Pavots soars from the glass with a whole range of savory, floral top notes. Medium in body yet very deep, the 2023 is a superb example of both the year and Knights Valley. Vibrant red-toned fruit, blood orange, graphite, cinnamon, chalk, mint and dried herbs are some of the many notes that come alive in the glass. All of the energy of this cold, late-ripening year comes through loud and clear. Several recent bottles from the late 1990s and early 2000s point to the longevity of the best vintages, as I expect will be the case with the 2023.- Antonio Galloni

Deep liquorice root, juicy and full of rich powerful fennel, cherry pit and peach pit and cherry tart, black tea, incense, sleek and uplifted, exceptionally good. 100% French oak. Robert Fiore winemaker, Paul Michael now the 2nd generation owner at this lovely mountain estate.

(96+ points) The 2023 Les Pavots is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Cabernet Franc, 11% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot, from grapes harvested very late, from October 27 to November 11. It has singular aromas of red and black currants, blueberry, salty licorice, violet, roast lamb, cigar ash and thyme, and its oak spice is seamlessly integrated. The full-bodied palate is powerfully styled with iron-laced flavors and abundant, velvety tannins. It’s balanced by bright acidity and has a very long, elegant finish. It will be long lived in the cellar. 2,940 cases were made and will be released in April 2026.- Erin Brooks

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2023 Les Pavots is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Cabernet Franc, 11% Merlot, and 3% Petit Verdot. It needs a fair bit of swirling to coax out notes of blackberries, kirsch, and fresh black currants, plus nuances of graphite, dried Provence herbs, and black olives. The full-bodied palate is tightly wound with black and red berry layers, supported by firm, grainy tannins and great tension, finishing long and mineral-laced.

This offers a lush and inviting profile, with mulled plum and blackberry fruit laced with hints of tobacco, roasted vanilla and ganache. A subtle tug of earth on the back end keeps this honest. Shows modest energy overall but also generosity and depth. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2027 through 2037. 2,940 cases made.