2019 Les Pavots
Buying options
Tasting notes
60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot . There is a slightly smudgy edge to the fruit on the nose at the moment, though that might well be just a little rubbery reduction that will need time to settle. The palate is much more polished and refined, bringing sweet cassis fruit and warming alcohol that cloaks the ripe tannins in the middle. Layered on the finish, this will warrant a higher score with better definition on the nose. (TP)
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Tom Parker MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
The 2019 Les Pavots is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc, and the remainder Petit Verdot. It has unfolding layers of dark minerals, with graphite, boysenberry liqueur, and fresh leather. The palate is expressive of its mountain fruit, with more gripping structure but no harsh edges. This is a remarkable wine to hold a few years and enjoy over the following two decades. Sir Peter Michael founded his eponymous winery in 1982, after having been inspired by the wine of Chateau Montelena, which led him to California. In 2020, Robert Fiore took the helm as winemaker, but the previous winemaker, Luc Morlet, remains as a consultant. Robert studied at the Colorado School of Mines, which led him to a career in environmental geophysics, before finding his path into the world of wine. He went on to UC Davis to study Viticulture and Enology. Most recently, Robert was a member of the winemaking team at Continuum in Napa. Vineyard manager Javier Avina has championed the land since 1991. Each of the sites are steep hillsides that modulate with varied exposition and soils in the Knights Valley. Sir Peter’s son Paul and his wife Emily oversee the management of the winery today.
The welcoming spicy embrace of a Sonoma mountain Cabernet, with its shot of freshly cut herbs, rosemary, dill, cracked black pepper, silky tannins, a good kick of acidity through the final moments. It has the gourmet black chocolate and opulence of California, but it is loaded up with juicy acidity. Luc Morlet consultant (was previously the winemaker). If you are worried about California Cabs being too big or unapproachable, this is just a glorious place to get to know their potential. 100% new oak.
From one of the smallest yields in the history of this Knights Valley vineyard, the 2019 Les Pavots matured in 70% new French oak. It's a dark, concentrated effort, with straightforward aromas of black cherries, cassis, vanilla and dark chocolate, a full-bodied, plush feel on the palate and a long, velvety finish. A delicious blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, it should possess close to two decades of drinkability.
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.