2016 Sauvignon Blanc l'Apres Midi
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Tasting notes
Bottled and released last year, the 2016 L'Apres-Midi is 86% Sauvignon Blanc and the rest Semillon vinified and aged in almost all neutral barrels. Juicy citrus, white flowers, lemon, honey, and some underbrush, earthy notes all flow to a fresh, lively, yet textured Sauvignon that has beautiful balance and purity. Classic, elegant, and lengthy, it’s going to keep like a great white from the Graves region of Bordeaux. 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
Jancis Robinson MW
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
The 2016 Sauvignon Blanc L'Après-Midi is bright, focused and nuanced, with plenty of lime, quince, sage, mint and almond character. Vivid and yet also light on its feet, the 2016 is a very pretty wine that will only benefit from another year or two in bottle. This, too, is very nicely done.
Twentieth vintage of this estate-grown Sauvignon Blanc-Sémillon blend from Les Pavots vineyard at up to 1,200 feet above sea level. So-named by owner Sir Peter Michael because he considered it the perfect wine for afternoon drinking. According to the winery, 'the 2016 vintage is a result of a near-perfect growing season, despite California’s on-going drought. Rainfall was sufficient and overall the vintage was slightly cooler than average, with consistently warm and sunny conditions and only one heat spike. A long Indian summer contributed to excellent ripening conditions and moderate temperatures at harvest allowed gradual picking as each block achieved ripeness'. Harvest yielded wines of uncommon depth and concentration, with potential for long-term ageing. Pale greenish gold. Smoky, dried herbs nose with something vaguely Indian (cumin-ish). Rich start and (just) enough acidity. Creamy texture an accomplished winemaking but I must say I would find this a bit heavy for afternoon sipping, and I'd like a tad more structure (and acid) at this price. (JR)
Blended of 86% Sauvignon Blanc and 14% Sémillon, the 2016 Sauvignon Blanc l'Apres Midi is scented of crushed stones, white pepper, struck flint and dried herbs over a core of lemons and grapefruit juice with a touch of chalk dust. Medium-bodied, it fills the palate with zesty citrus flavors complemented by minerally notes, finishing long. 2,450 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.