2015 Les Pavots
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 2015 Les Pavots checks in as 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc, 15% Merlot and the balance Petit Verdot. It offers a huge nose of blackcurrants, blackberry, scorched earth, graphite, and cedarwood. Deep, rich, supple, and sexy, with a seamless, incredibly elegant texture, it builds with time in the glass and is a monumental Cabernet Sauvignon blend from Sonoma. Located north of Napa Valley, in the Knights Valley AVA of Sonoma, Peter Michael utilizes the incredible talent of Frenchman Nicolas Morlet (whose brother Luc runs Morlet Estate in Napa, and was previously the winemaker at Peter Michael). These classic, traditionally made wines certainly have an old world feel/style, yet never lose their California soul. They produce two brilliant Bordeaux Blanc look-alikes, a bevy of Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs, and three Bordeaux blends. It can be a complex lineup to wrap your head around, but the cuvees show singular characters and the quality is off the charts.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Les Pavots is wonderfully refined and nuanced, especially within the context of the vintage. Classy and polished to the core, the 2015 is all grace. Hints of mocha, grilled herbs, menthol, licorice and new leather all meld together effortlessly. The extreme conditions of the growing season have baked out some of the intensely savory and mineral character that is typically such a big part of the wine’s personality. In exchange, though, the 2015 is polished and very nicely textured, both of which make it easy to enjoy young.
Intense aromas of plums, black truffles, bark and dark plums. Pine needles, too. Full-bodied, tight and polished. Extremely elegant and precise. The finish is very long and vertical. Compressed and refined. A beauty already. Drink in 2021 but already a joy to drink.
Blended of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc, 15% Merlot and 7% Petit Verdot, the 2015 Les Pavots Proprietary Red Wine is scented of crème de cassis, blueberries and baking spices with hints of chocolate box, black earth and cigar box. Medium to full-bodied, the palate simply sings with black fruit preserves and spicy layers, supported by chewy tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long. 2,870 cases were made.
About the producer
Founded in 1983 by Sir Peter Michael CBE and his wife Margaret, Peter Michael Winery produces some of California’s finest wines.