2018 | Peter Michael Winery | Les Pavots

Deep ruby in color with a red-purple rim, the 2018 ‘Les Pavots’ reveals a sophisticated bouquet of freshly blossomed violets and sweet tones of blueberry and boysenberry synchronizing with native, wild garrique and crushed-stone minerality. Full-bodied and elegant, the wine offers a lavish array of flavors: blackberry pie and Albion strawberries contrast savory notes of tobacco and cigar box. Hints of cedar, vanilla bean, and black pepper lead to a long, well-structured finish.

Reviews:

• Wine Advocate: Located in Knights Valley, Sonoma, the Les Pavots vineyard is located in the oldest of the estate-owned sites, planted in 1989. It is situated at 1,000-1,400 feet and is quite steep in areas. Composed of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot, the 2018 Les Pavots is medium to deep garnet-purple in color. It needs a fair bit of coaxing to unlock the intense scents of blackcurrant preserves, ripe black plums and boysenberries with touches of wild sage, tobacco leaf and pencil shavings. The full-bodied palate is densely packed and tightly wound with loads of black fruits, dried herbs and earthy layers, supported by firm, grainy tannins and bold freshness, finishing long and energetic.

• James Suckling: Love the sweet berries, black olives, tile and fresh herbs on the nose with floral undertones. Oyster shell, too. Full-bodied with round, creamy tannins that are beautifully polished and refined. Very long finish. All about finesse and wonderful length. 68% cabernet sauvignon, 19% cabernet franc, 10% merlot and 3% petit verdot. Drink after 2023.

Producer Information

Peter Michael Winery is a highly regarded wine producer located in northern California, on the border of Napa and Sonoma counties in the Knights Valley AVA. The winery produces a number of single-vineyard wines including Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant blends, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc – Semillon blends. The winery was established by Peter Michael and his wife Margaret in 1982. Michael's background was in technology and had founded the digital picture company Quantel in the UK in the early 1970s. He arrived in California in the early days of the Silicon Valley tech boom and soon invested in a winery. The winery released its first vintage in 1987 and has since enjoyed a high level of critical acclaim. Three of Michael's wines have ranked in the top 10 of Wine Spectator's Top 100, and since the 1995 vintage, 14 wines have been rated 98 points or higher by US wine critic Robert Parker. Peter Michael's property in the Knights Valley AVA is at a much higher altitude than many others in the area, with vineyards reaching as high as 2000 feet (610m) above sea level. The result is cooler growing temperatures, which allows for wines in the more restrained old world style. In 2006, Peter Michael began planting a vineyard in Fort Ross-Seaview AVA in Sonoma County. In 2009 added an Oakville AVA vineyard in Napa Valley. Peter Michael Winery remains a family-owned estate that is now run by Peter's son Paul and wife Emily (the inspiration for the Belle-Fille Chardonnay label and vineyard). Only a small number of cases reach the retail market as the majority are set aside for the mailing list and long-term restaurant clientele.

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