Information Archive
On this page are links to pdf files of our current and past newsletters, Winemaker tasting and vintage notes for each wine going back about ten years, and our press kit.
Recent Newsletters
Click Here For Past Newsletters
Spring 2022
2020 ‘La Carrière’ Estate Chardonnay, Knights Valley, Sonoma
2020 'Belle Côte’ Estate Chardonnay, Knights Valley, Sonoma
2018 ‘Le Chapeau Blanc’ Estate Cabernet Franc, Oakville, Napa Valley
Les Sens
In this issue of our tasting journal, Les Sens, we share the sensory elements of the wine, place, and people that collectively inspire our members and guests to take away enriched memories of their Peter Michael Winery experience.
Releasing:
2019 'Les Pavots' Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Blend, Knights Valley, Sonoma2020 ‘La Carrière’ Estate Chardonnay, Knights Valley, Sonoma
2020 'Belle Côte’ Estate Chardonnay, Knights Valley, Sonoma
2018 ‘Le Chapeau Blanc’ Estate Cabernet Franc, Oakville, Napa Valley
Fall 2021
2019 'Clos du Ciel' Estate Pinot Noir, Seaview, Sonoma County
2019 'Point Rouge' Estate Chardonnay, Knights Valley, Sonoma County
2019 'Ma Belle-Fille' Estate Chardonnay, Knights Valley, Sonoma County
2019 'Mon Plaisir' Estate Chardonnay, Knights Valley, Sonoma County
2018 'L'Esprit des Pavots' Estate Cabernet Blend, Sonoma & Napa Valley
2020 'L'Apres-Midi' Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Knights Valley, Sonoma County
Le Domaine
'Le Domaine' is French for “the estate” or literally, “the domain.” Here we use the term to capture a sense of the totality of terroir of all three of our estates, including the people who carefully interact with each estate.
Releasing:
2018 'Au Paradis' Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, Napa Valley2019 'Clos du Ciel' Estate Pinot Noir, Seaview, Sonoma County
2019 'Point Rouge' Estate Chardonnay, Knights Valley, Sonoma County
2019 'Ma Belle-Fille' Estate Chardonnay, Knights Valley, Sonoma County
2019 'Mon Plaisir' Estate Chardonnay, Knights Valley, Sonoma County
2018 'L'Esprit des Pavots' Estate Cabernet Blend, Sonoma & Napa Valley
2020 'L'Apres-Midi' Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Knights Valley, Sonoma County
Spring 2021
2019 'Le Caprice' Estate Pinot Noir
2019 ‘Le Moulin Rouge’ Pinot Noir
2019 ‘La Carrière’ Estate Chardonnay
2019 ‘Belle Côte’ Estate Chardonnay
2019 ‘Cuvée Indigène’ Estate Chardonnay
2019 `'Coeur à Coeur' Estate Sémillon / Sauvignon Blanc Blend
Le Vignoble
In 1982, we took our first adventurous steps onto a rocky volcanic mountainous ranch in Knights Valley, Sonoma County. We planted our first vines and then after a few years of patient waiting, we released our first wine along with a newsletter. Today, nearly four decades and many vintages later, we are proud to introduce you to Issue 1 Le Vignoble, our new “newsletter.”
Releasing:
2018 ‘Les Pavots’ Estate Cabernet Blend2019 'Le Caprice' Estate Pinot Noir
2019 ‘Le Moulin Rouge’ Pinot Noir
2019 ‘La Carrière’ Estate Chardonnay
2019 ‘Belle Côte’ Estate Chardonnay
2019 ‘Cuvée Indigène’ Estate Chardonnay
2019 `'Coeur à Coeur' Estate Sémillon / Sauvignon Blanc Blend
Fall 2020
Because It's Afternoon Somewhere
Crafting L’Après-Midi since it's inception with the 1992 vintage and introducing new winemaker, Robert Fiore.
Releasing:
2017 ‘Au Paradis’ Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, 2017 ‘L’Esprit des Pavots’ Estate Cabernet Blend, 2019 ‘L’Apres-Midi’ Estate Sauvignon Blanc, 2018 ‘Mon Plaisir’ Estate Chardonnay, 2018 ‘Ma Belle-Fille’ Estate Chardonnay, 2018 ‘Point Rouge’ Estate Chardonnay
Spring 2020
Rebuilding a Vineyard
An update on developing 'Vineyard 9' at the Peter Michael Winery estate in Knights Valley.
Releasing:
2017 Les Pavots, 2018 La Carrière, Belle-Côte, Cuvée Indigène, and Le Moulin Rouge.
Fall 2019
30th Anniversary of Mon Plaisir
Celebrating the milestone of our first wine, Mon Plaisir.
Releasing:
Releasing: 2016 Au Paradis, L’Esprit des Pavots, 2018 L’Après-Midi, 2017 Mon Plaisir, Ma Belle-Fille, Point Rouge, Ma Danseuse and Clos du Ciel.
Spring 2019
Expanding our Knights Valley Estate
We announce an addition to our Knights Valley estate with the recent purchase of a neighboring property,
Releasing:
2016 Les Pavots, 2017 La Carrière, Belle-Côte, Cuvée Indigène, Le Caprice and Le Moulin Rouge.
Fall 2018
Improving on Paradise
The story of our Au Paradis Vineyard in Oakville, Napa Valley.
Releasing:
Releasing: 2015 Au Paradis, L’Esprit des Pavots, 2017 L’Après-Midi, 2016 Mon Plaisir, Ma Belle-Fille, Point Rouge, Ma Danseuse and Clos du Ciel.
Spring 2018
Defending the Estate
Paul and Emily recap the close call the winery had with the October wildfires.
Releasing:
2015 Les Pavots, 2016 La Carrière, Belle-Côte, Cuvée Indigène, Le Caprice and Le Moulin Rouge.
Fall 2017
Planting the First Vines
Paul Michael reflects on his first introduction to what would become Peter Michael Winery.
Releasing:
2014 Au Paradis, L’Esprit des Pavots, 2016 L’Après-Midi, 2015 Mon Plaisir, Ma Belle-Fille, Point Rouge and Le Moulin Rouge.
Spring 2017
Celebrating 35 Years
Celebrating our 35th Anniversary with a note from the next generation, Paul and Emily.
Releasing:
2014 Les Pavots, 2015 La Carrière, 2015 Belle-Côte, 2015 Cuvée Indigène.
Fall 2016
The Vicissitudes of Mountain Viticulture
In this issue we describe the challenges faced with our beautiful hillside farming.
Releasing:
2013 Au Paradis, 2013 L’Esprit des Pavots, 2015 L’Après-Midi, 2014 Mon Plaisir, Ma Belle-Fille, Point Rouge, Ma Danseuse, and Clos du Ciel.
Spring 2016
Les Pavots Continues to Evolve
In this issue we describe the Michael family's philosophy behind the evolution of our Les Pavots Vineyard.
Releasing:
013 Les Pavots, 2014 Le Moulin Rouge, 2014 Le Caprice, 2014 La Carrière, 2014 Belle-Côte, 2014 Cuvée Indigène.
Fall 2015
Natural Winemaking: The Reds
In this issue we explain the natural techniques we use to produce our red wines.
Releasing:
Releasing: 2012 Au Paradis, 2012 L’Esprit des Pavots, 2014 L’Après-Midi, 2013 Mon Plaisir, Ma Belle-Fille, Point Rouge, Ma Danseuse, and Clos du Ciel.
Spring 2015
The Second Generation Steps Forward
In this issue we introduce the next generation, Paul and Emily, and their approach to the transition.
Releasing:
Releasing: 2012 Les Pavots, 2013 Le Moulin Rouge, 2013 Le Caprice, 2013 La Carrière, 2013 Belle-Côte, 2013 Cuvée Indigène.
Fall 2014
Introducing Au Paradis
In this issue we introduce the newest addition to our family of wines, Au Paradis, a Cabernet Sauvignon from our Oakville AVA vineyard in Napa Valley.
Releasing:
Releasing: 2011 Au Paradis, 2011 L’Esprit des Pavots, 2013 L’Après-Midi, 2012 Mon Plaisir, Ma Belle-Fille, Point Rouge, Ma Danseuse, and Clos du Ciel.
Spring 2014
Fifteen Kinds of Excellence
In this issue we provide an overview of our portfolio of hand crafted wines and a bit of the history. The winery now makes 15 different bottlings.
Releasing:
Releasing: 2011 Les Pavots, 2012 Le Moulin Rouge, 2012 Le Caprice, 2012 La Carrière, 2012 Belle-Côte, 2012 Cuvée Indigène.
Fall 2013
Entourage - A Meeting of Professionals
We provide a glimpse of the winery's Entourage process: engaging wine industry professionals to advise on our efforts and the overall trends of the industry.
Releasing:
Releasing: 2010 L’Esprit des Pavots, 2012 L’Après-Midi, 2011 Mon Plaisir, Ma Belle-Fille, Le Moulin Rouge, Le Caprice, Ma Danseuse, and Clos du Ciel.
Spring 2013
A New Dawn in Communications
We provide an overview of the winery’s social media activities. Over the past few months, the winery has quietly created a presence in this important new communications arena. Also, we cover a basic why and how on decanting wine.
Releasing:
Releasing: 2010 Les Pavots, 2011 La Carrière and Belle Côte.
Fall 2012
Natural Winemaking: The Whites
We explain a little about the techniques we use to produce our white wines. Also, we provide a glimpse of the role the Michael Family plays as champions of California wine in Europe.
Releasing:
Releasing: 2009 L’Esprit des Pavots, 2011 L’Après-Midi, 2010 Mon Plaisir, Ma Belle-Fille, Point Rouge, Le Moulin Rouge, Le Caprice, Ma Danseuse, and Clos du Ciel.
Spring 2012
Les Pavots, the Culmination of a Dream
We detail the central role Les Pavots, both the vineyard and the wine, plays in the Michael Family’s vision for a great wine estate.
Releasing:
Releasing: 2010 Belle Côte, La Carrière, Cuvée Indigène; and 2009 Les Pavots.
Fall 2011
Introducing Our Three New Pinots
We proudly introduce a trio of estate Pinot Noirs from our Seaview Vineyards
Releasing:
Releasing: 2009 Mon Plaisir, Ma Belle-Fille, Point Rouge, Le Moulin Rouge, Le Caprice, Ma Danseuse, Clos du Ciel, 2010 L’Après-Midi, 2008 L’Esprit des Pavots.
Spring 2011
Two Decades of Expert Farming
We salute Javier Aviña, our vineyard manager, and his contribution to the quality of our farming. Javier has just celebrated 20 years with the winery
Releasing:
Releasing: 2009 Belle Côte, La Carrière, Cuvée Indigène; and 2008 Les Pavots.
Fall 2010
Serving Up the Bounty
A few of the basic methods we use to serve our wines here at the winery, and why they work to present the wines at their best.
Releasing:
Releasing: 2008 Mon Plaisir, Ma Belle-Fille, Point Rouge, Le Moulin Rouge, Le Caprice, 2009 L’Après-Midi; 2007 L’Esprit des Pavots.
Spring 2010
A Noble Trio Completed
Announcing the addition of a new Estate vineyard in the Oakville appellation of Napa Valley, which will produce our new Bordeaux-style bottling.
Releasing:
Releasing: 2008 La Carrière, Belle Côte, Cuvée Indigène; 2007 Les Pavots
Fall 2009
Fall 2009
L’Esprit des Pavots
How “the little brother” relates to Les Pavots.
Le Caprice
A new bottling of non-estate Russian River Pinot Noir.
How “the little brother” relates to Les Pavots.
Le Caprice
A new bottling of non-estate Russian River Pinot Noir.
Releasing:
Releasing: 2007 Ma Belle-Fille, Point Rouge, Le Moulin Rouge, Le Caprice, 2008 L’Après-Midi, 2006 L’Esprit des Pavots.
Spring 2009
Sorting Out the Harvest
Our red berries have to make it past 20 pairs of hands...
Releasing:
Releasing: 2007 La Carrière, Belle Côte, Cuvée Indigène, 2006 Les Pavots.
Fall 2008
Two and a Half Decades
The Michael family celebrates the 25th anniversary of the winery by recalling the beginnings.
Releasing:
Releasing: 2006 Mon Plaisir, Ma Belle-Fille, Point Rouge, Le Moulin Rouge, 2007 L’Après-Midi, 2005 L’Esprit des Pavots.
Spring 2008
Gems from the Quarry
Releasing our tenth vintage of La Carrière Chardonnay gives us the opportunity to conduct a ten-year vertical tasting.
Releasing:
Releasing: 2006 La Carrière, Belle Côte, Cuvée Indigène, 2005 Les Pavots.
Fall 2007
Pinot Noir: Putting Down Roots
A look at the new Seaview Estate Pinot Noir vineyard, plus our two non-estate bottlings.
Releasing:
Releasing: 2005 Mon Plaisir, Ma Belle-Fille, Point Rouge, Le Moulin Rouge, 2006 L’Après-Midi, 2004 L’Esprit des Pavots.
Spring 2007
A Paradox on Ida Clayton Ridge
The ridges and canyons channel the flow of marine air and create varied micro- climates on the estate.
Releasing:
Releasing: 2005 La Carrière, Belle Côte, Cuvée Indigène, 2004 Les Pavots.
Fall 2006
Preserving our Liquid Assets
The “Fish Friendly Farming” movement, water management and watershed health.
Releasing:
Releasing: 2004 Mon Plaisir, Ma Belle-Fille, Cuvée Indigène, Point Rouge, Le Moulin Rouge, 2005 L’Après-Midi, 2003 L’Esprit des Pavots.
Spring 2006
A Family Passion
Winemaker Luc Morlet becomes PMW’s consultant as his brother Nicolas Morlet replaces him as full-time winemaker.
Releasing:
Releasing: 2004 La Carrière, Belle Côte, 2003 Les Pavots.
Fall 2005
Preserving Craftsmanship
The “Craftsman” theme can be found literally in our winery design and furnishings as well as in our winemaking philosophy.
Releasing:
Releasing: 2003 Mon Plaisir, Ma Belle-Fille, Cuvée Indigène, Point Rouge, Le Moulin Rouge, 2004 L’Après-Midi, 2002 L’Esprit des Pavots.
Spring 2005
Hands and Hearts Join to Fight Cancer
The Sir Peter and Lady Michael Foundation produces the culinary book, “Hands and Hearts” to launch a campaign to fund groundbreaking cancer research.
Releasing:
Releasing: 2003 La Carrière, Belle Côte, 2002 Les Pavots.
Fall 2004
My Daughter-in-Law
The inaugural Chardonnay release from the Ma Belle-Fille vineyard, is named for Emily Michael, daughter-in-law, or belle-fille, of Pete and Maggie.
Releasing:
Releasing: 2002 Mon Plaisir, Ma Belle-Fille, Cuvée Indigène, Point Rouge, Le Moulin Rouge, 2003 L’Après-Midi, 2001 L’Esprit des Pavots.
Spring 2004
Building a Family Legacy
The Sir Peter and Lady M's vision of the winery as a multigenerational family legacy.
Releasing:
Releasing: 2002 Belle Côte, La Carrière, 2001 Les Pavots, 2002 L’Après-Midi.
Fall 2003
Tasting Ten Vintages of Point Rouge
Mark Aubert, Luc Morlet and a panel of wine critics and sommeliers taste and discuss Point Rouge Chardonnay.
Releasing:
Releasing: 2001 Mon Plaisir, Cuvée Indigène, Point Rouge, Le Moulin Rouge, 2002 L’Après-Midi.
Spring 2003
Hand-Crafted Wines
“Hand crafted” is not just a slogan. Luc Morlet describes ten ways of babying a grape.
Releasing:
Releasing: 2001 La Carrière, Belle Côte, 2000 Les Pavots; 2001 L’Après-Midi.
Fall 2002
Handcrafted Vineyards
“Great wines come from great fruit— which comes from great vines!” Every vine gets hands-on attention 15 to 25 times each year.
Releasing:
Releasing: 2000 Mon Plaisir, Cuvée Indigène, Le Moulin Rouge, 2001 L’Après-Midi.
Spring 2002
Knights Valley History
Eadweard Muybridge was famous for inventing odd ways to spell his name, his pioneering motion studies, and for murdering his wife’s lover in Knights Valley.
Releasing:
Releasing: 2000 La Carrière, Belle Côte, 1999 Les Pavots, 2000 L’Après-Midi.
Fall 2001
A Story of Wine Lovers
Stories of the passion for great wine that brought skilled and talented people to Peter Michael Winery.
Releasing:
Releasing: 1999 Mon Plaisir, Cuvée Indigène, Point Rouge, Le Moulin Rouge, Crête d’Or.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Red Wine
Cabernet Blend
Au Paradis
Au Paradis Vineyard
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
Pinot Noir
Clos du Ciel
Seaview Estate
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2016
2017
2019
Le Caprice
Seaview Estate
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2016
2017
2019
2021
Le Moulin Rouge
Pisoni Vineyard
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2021
Ma Danseuse
Seaview Estate
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2016
2017
2019
White Wine
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc/Sémillon
Coeur à Coeur
Les Pavots Vineyard
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2018
2019
2021
Videos
Introducing Peter Michael Winery