Peter Michael - Les Pavots 2018
Price: $255.00
| Producer | Peter Michael |
| Country | United States |
| Region | California |
| Subregion | Knights Valley |
| Varietal | Red Blend |
| Vintage | 2018 |
| Sku | 06554 |
Peter Michael Description
Vintage Notes:
The previous winter offered an above-average rainfall. Spring was mild and the growing conditions during the entire season were ideal, even with some heat waves in October. The bloom occurred under adequate temperature and humidity. The temperatures remained steady and warm throughout the year, without any significant heat spikes. The yields of our mountain vineyards were slightly higher than the previous vintage but remained small (3 tons/acre). After the end of veraison, a single pass of thinning facilitated the homogenization of the crop. Most of the vineyard blocks were physiologically ripe at the same time with a desirable amount of polyphenols.
Winegrowing Notes:
Grown on the slopes of Mount Saint Helena in Knights Valley, the distinctive aromas and flavors of our proprietary blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot display their hillside origins. Rocky, rhyolitic soils created through volcanic activity millennia ago, contribute a mineral richness and add to the wine’s complexity. Spanning forty nine acres, Les Pavots ascends to an elevation of nearly 1,400 feet. Merlot and Cabernet Franc grow on the cool upper slopes, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot below.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes:
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. Approachable in its youth, Les Pavots provides an exemplary representation of our winery estate terroir and will continue to evolve graciously for two decades.
68% Cabernet, 10% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot
James Suckling: 97 Points
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.
Jeb Dunnuck: 97 Points
More minerality, graphite, and scorched earth notes emerge from the 2018 Les Pavots. Full-bodied and uber-concentrated, it reveals building tannins, awesome mid-palate depth, and one heck of a great finish. It's a serious, powerful, blockbuster beauty that also holds onto perfect balance and a beautiful sense of elegance. It will keep for two decades or more.
Wine Advocate: 96 Points
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. 3,255 cases were made.
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