2002 Peter Michael Les Pavots
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Tasting notes
A great, great success (and of course, this is Knight’s Valley material), the 2002 Les Pavots, which I loved from barrel as well as bottle, still has a good 20+ years of life ahead of it. At this point, it is tasting like a vigorous young adolescent in its evolutionary development. The blend in 2002 from the winery was 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 7% Petit Verdot. Moreover there are just under 3,000 cases of this spectacular wine, which I’m hoping many readers have cellared away. Inky black/purple, with a nose of incense, licorice, balsamic and Asian soy notes interwoven with blackberry, blueberry and hints of truffle and camphor, this wine is full-bodied, opulent and voluptuously textured, with sensational mid-palate, depth and richness. This is a killer Bordeaux-styled, ripe, exuberant, flamboyant red from Peter Michael that stands as one of the all-time great Les Pavots cuvees ever made. It ideally needs another 3-4 years of cellaring, although it is quite accessible and should keep for a minimum of 20 or more years. Bravo! Tel. (707) 942-3200
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
(62% cabernet sauvignon, 17% cabernet franc, 16% merlot and 5% petit verdot) Cooler on the nose than the 2002 despite showing a near-roasted ripeness, with aromas of black raspberry, licorice, minerals and flowers. Thick, dense and superripe, with compelling sweetness and layers of dark fruit flavor. Wonderfully full and deep wine with extraordinary palate coverage. The finish offers explosive persistence and the thoroughly ripe, sweet tannins reach the front teeth. This has really del ivered on its early promise.
Saturated medium ruby. A fruit bomb on the nose: cassis, black raspberry, licorice and cocoa powder. Then lush, fat and deep; creamier and more succulent than the 2001, but less refined at this early stage. Finishes with substantial, sweet tannins. This will be a somewhat rounder, softer wine that will reach full maturity earlier than the 2001. The pH here is a tad higher than that of the 2001: 4.01, vs. 3.99.
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.