2003 L'Esprit des Pavots
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Tasting notes
Deep medium ruby. Very ripe, expressive aromas of smoked meat, espresso, chocolate and black licorice. Big and broad, with a lovely subtle sweetness of fruit and noteworthy density. But the tannins are a bit unrefined in comparison to those of the flagship wine. L'Esprit de Pavots is from young vines.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2003 l’Esprit des Pavots offers chocolate, fresh herb, smoky, meaty, black currant and licorice-imbued flavors with moderately high tannin in the slightly austere finish. It does not possess the charm and silkiness of the 2004. (Release date 9/06) Tel. (707) 942-3200; Fax (707) 942-0209
(96% cabernet sauvignon with 4% merlot) Bright, full ruby. Blackberry, cassis, cedar, graphite, minerals and tobacco on the nose, along with oak-driven bitter chocolate. Dense and large-scaled, with rich flavors of cassis, black plum, tobacco, chocolate and graphite. Comes across as quite suave for its size, and less obviously sweet than the 2002. But finishes with a major dusting of tannins and a repeating flavor of dark chocolate.
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.