2017 Peter Michael L'Esprit des Pavots
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Tasting notes
The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon L'Esprit des Pavots is a blend taken from both Les Pavots in Knights Valley and Au Paradis in Oakville. Bright acids and lifted floral notes give this mid-weight Bordeaux blend energy and a real sense of precision. Red cherry fruit, mocha, spice, licorice and cedar add nuance throughout. Here, too, production is down sharply (1,200 cases versus 1,800, which is more typical), but the wine is just compelling.
Critic scores
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
A blend of 34% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, the 2017 L'Esprit des Pavots comes from 57% Knights Valley AVA and 43% Oakville AVA. Deep garnet-purple, it slips easily out of the glass with forward expressions of warm plums, blackberry pie and mulberries plus hints of fruitcake, Chinese five spice and bay leaves with a touch of unsmoked cigars. Full-bodied, rich and opulent, the palate has a pleasant chewiness with generous black fruit preserves layers and a spicy kick to the finish. 1,195 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.