Very deep, saturated ruby. Extremely complex nose melds brambly blueberry and blackberry, cassis, molasses, tar, cocoa and lavender. Very thick and sweet but quite primary; powerfully structured and muscular but not hard thanks to its huge buffering extract and reasonably elevated pH. Substantial tannins spread out to suffuse the entire palate. This very impressive wine has the balance and sheer material to enjoy a long and slow development in bottle. The most impressive cabernet I've yet tasted from Peter Michael.

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The 1997 Les Pavots originates from a hillside vineyard overlooking the Knight's Valley that has 23 acres planted with Bordeaux varietals. The 1997 blend consists of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, and 9% Cabernet Franc.

The wine was aged in French oak (50% new), and bottled without filtration. Fortunately, there are 4,351 cases of 750 ml bottles, as well as 330 cases of magnums. A blue/black/purple color is followed by an extraordinary bouquet of toast, blackberries, creme de cassis, licorice, and cedar. Full-bodied, with silky tannin, low acidity, and layers of concentrated, pure black fruits judiciously wrapped in subtle toasty oak, this wine can be drunk early, but promises to hit its peak in 5-7 years, and last for two or more decades.

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Dark, ripe, rich and focused, this California red offers tiers of currant, mineral, anise, sage and cedar, all folding neatly together and finishing with a chocolaty edge. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 4,351 cases made.

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The cloudiness of this wine was so much that it detracted from the experience a bit. Even decanting through a strainer didnt' help; finally had to pour through a coffee filter because the particles were so fine.(had been lying down untouched so I don't think the sediment was disturbed)Mature notes on the nose. The structure was there and the wine was concentrated & full bodied, but I think this was a little past it's prime as the fruit wasn't as vibrant(and perhaps a little overripe) as a bottle of 96' I had last year. Still some drying tannins on the finish.