I loved the 2017 Frederick, which is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot that's all from the estate Spring Valley Vineyard. Lots of red and black fruits, leafy herbs, flowers, and foresty, earthy notes give way to a medium to full-bodied, nicely balanced 2017 with lots of varietal character, polished tannins, and a great finish. It's going to keep for 10-15 years.

Rich and polished, with an elegantly complex core that drives the black cherry and dusky spice flavors toward a long finish, with medium-grained tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Drink now through 2027. 3,600 cases made. — TF

Bright, saturated ruby-red. Deep oak tones along with cassis, blackberry, menthol and bitter chocolate on the nose; conveys an urgent crushed-berry character. Plush, fine-grained and concentrated, showing a chocolatey richness and very good depth to its dark berry and spicy oak flavors. On the palate, the oak serves to sweeten this rather powerfully structured, dense wine. Finishes with big, broad tannins that saturate the front teeth and incisors and lively suggestions of black pepper and violet. Still quite primary and in need of patience. Strong juice! Serge Laville's 2017s possess excellent balance and serious mid-palate material without heaviness--not to mention impressive urgency of fruit.

A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Syrah, the 2017 Frederick opens with just-ripe dark red and black fruit tones with a firm undercurrent of green herbs, bell pepper and dusty leather. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is juicy with dusty and floral flavors of dried tobacco, turned earth and roasted coffee bean and firm tannins that grip the gumline. Ending with a complex finish, lasting impressions of dried herbs and blackberry skin linger in the mouth with persistence. The wine rested for 19 months in all French oak, 40% new. Just over 3,600 bottles were filled.

Graphite, blackberry, spice and herb aromas lead to ripe, luscious, juicy fruit flavors. There's a lot of intensity and plenty of structure around it all. It's a can't-miss crowd-pleaser, with a good life in front of it.