Peter Michael, L`Esprit des Pavots, Knights Valley, California, 2006

Overview of the Wine
In 1982 Sir Peter and Lady Margaret Michael built the Peter Michael Winery on a square mile of rocky volcanic ridges that form the western face of Mount St. Helena in Knights Valley, Sonoma County, California. The estate vineyards rest on steep hillsides ranging in elevation from 1100 to nearly 2000 feet. Of the nearly 600 estate acres, only about 20% are planted to grapes. Peter Michael Winery is best known for single-vineyard and estate grown Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and a Cabernet Sauvignon cuvee of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The Peter Michael Winery remains true to its commitment to growing classic grape varieties in small mountain vineyards in order to produce great wines using classical winemaking techniques. Given this covenant to the product, only a limited quantity will ever be available. 

Grape / Blend
45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Franc

Origin
Knights Valley, California

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Spectacularly rich and intense, the 2006 L'Esprit des Pavots displays all the features which characterize the Les Pavots terroir: blueberry, vanilla beans, licorice, chocolate, cedar and coffee. The fruit of younger vines brings additional aromas of black cherries, strawberry, plums and red pepper to the complex bouquet. The palate is full-bodied, rich and concentrated, exhibiting abundant, youthful yet supple tannins and a lingering finish. Fruit forward and enjoyable at release, this wine should age well for a decade.

91 Points - Stephen Tanzer
Inky ruby. Complex scents of dried cherry, redcurrant, tobacco and musky herbs, with a suave mineral underpinning; smells like a Saint-Emilion from graves soil. Light in body but packing a serious punch, offering bitter cherry and red berry skin flavors along with sweet tobacco and dark chocolate qualities. The mineral note repeats on the finish, which is impressively focused and very persistent.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The second wine, from lots culled out from Les Pavots, is called L’Esprit des Pavots. The 2006 L’Esprit (45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot) is soft, round, fresh, with loads of berry fruit, a touch of herb, and a spicy finish.

Product size: 750ml