2001 Les Pavots

(a blend of 72% cabernet sauvignon, 16% merlot, 10% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot; this had just been racked, for only the second time) Saturated medium ruby. Sappy aromas of black raspberry, blueberry, blackberry, violet, tar and minerals. Superconcentrated, layered, deep flavors of blackberry, raspberry, cassis and licorice; offers an uncanny chewiness of texture. As powerful as this is, it's also suave and seamless, with a total absence of rough edges. There are hints of espresso and forest floor, but this very broad, primary wine will need time to develop more nuance. Finishes with a major tannic spine and superb subtle persistence. This wine spent 54 days on its skins.

A spectacular Knight’s Valley proprietary red wine from Peter Michael, the 2001 Les Pavots performed brilliantly in the horizontal tasting I did in Napa Valley in late May. Its dense opaque blue/purple color is accompanied by notes of graphite, charcoal, burning embers, creme de cassis, licorice and chocolate fudge. Opulent and full-bodied with sweet tannin as well as low acidity, it is just beginning to strut its stuff and reveal secondary nuances. Approachable now, this full-bodied, multi-dimensional wine should continue to drink well for another two decades plus. May 2011, www.robertparker.com