L’Esprit des Pavots
Cabernet Sauvignon Blend
From our Estate Vineyards in Knights Valley and Oakville (Sonoma County and Napa County)
Overview
‘L’Esprit des Pavots’ is French for “The Spirit of the Poppies.” First produced in the 2001 vintage, the wine was sourced solely from our Les Pavots vineyard and affectionately referred to as the “little brother” of our flagship wine. With the 2016 vintage, select lots from our Oakville Estate were introduced to the blend. The wine is typically more fruit-forward and early-drinking than ‘Les Pavots’ or ‘Au Paradis,’ but remains a true expression of the Peter Michael style—balanced, elegant, and age-worthy.
Pronunciation
(les-spree dey pah-voh) French for “the spirit of the poppies”
Current Vintage
Vintage Notes
Knights Valley, Sonoma: Following some rains in January and February, the 2021 growing season was drier than normal, with a slightly early budbreak and bloom. During bloom and fruit set, variable weather conditions resulted in less fruit setting, which, combined with small berry size, led to some of the lowest yields per acre in recent years. The 2021 growing season was exceptionally mild without significant heat events, which allowed the fruit to ripen perfectly, with harvest spanning from September 25 to October 18. The small berries and clusters produced concentrated, rich flavors in the grapes, juice, and wine.
Oakville, Napa: The winter was drier than average with the last rains coming in March followed by moderate weather during bloom which resulted in good fruit set but very small, concentrated berries. Overall, 2021 was a mild, steady growth without major heat spikes and only one day over 100F in August and September. The ideal weather continued through harvest which began the second week of September and concluded September 30th. It was a truly exceptional growing season.
Winegrowing Notes
‘L’Esprit des Pavots’ is French for “The Spirit of the Poppies.” First produced in the 2001 vintage, the wine was sourced solely from our Les Pavots vineyard and affectionately referred to as the “little brother” of our flagship wine. With the 2016 vintage, select lots from our Oakville Estate (Au Paradis Vineyard) were introduced to the blend. The wine is typically more fruit-forward and early-drinking than ‘Les Pavots’ or ‘Au Paradis’ but remains a true expression of the Peter Michael Winery style: balanced, elegant, and age-worthy.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
The dark ruby 2021 ‘L’Esprit des Pavots’ offers an intense perfume of red and black cherry, blackberry pie, crushed rose petal, black currant and red plum supported by hints of dark chocolate, black pepper, anise and black olive. The supple entry leads to soft, but plentiful silky tannins which persist through the mid-palate and lengthy finish. This round, plush ‘L’Esprit des Pavots’ is more approachable now than its ‘Au Paradis’ and ‘Les Pavots’ counterparts but the 2021 vintage promises to improve for more than a decade in the cellar.
Hand Harvested
September 9 - October 18
Bottled Unfined
May 10, 2023
Appellation(s)
58% Napa Valley, 42% Sonoma County
Aged
18 months in 100% French oak barrels from select artisan coopers
Release Date
September 1, 2024
Alcohol
15.5%
Blend
38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot
Past Vintages
Vintage Notes
2020 saw the first February with no rainfall in recorded history. The rains eventually arrived, with some particularly late storms into May and even the very beginning of June, which resulted in a good water profile in the soil at the beginning of the growing season. The weather during bloom was temperate and resulted in good fruit set and fairly normal yields. During most of the growing season, 2020 was fairly cool, punctuated by a series of heat spikes in late August and early September, then fairly warm temperatures through harvest.
Winegrowing Notes
‘L’Esprit des Pavots’ is French for “the spirit of the poppies.” First produced in the 2001 vintage, the wine was sourced solely from our Les Pavots vineyard and affectionately referred to as the “little brother” of our flagship wine. With the 2016 vintage, select lots from our Oakville Estate (Au Paradis Vineyard) were introduced to the blend. The wine is typically more fruit-forward and early-drinking than ‘Les Pavots’ or ‘Au Paradis’ but remains a true expression of the Peter Michael Winery style: balanced, elegant, and age-worthy.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
The vibrant 2020 ‘L’Esprit des Pavots’ leaps from the glass with a bright fanfare of ripe cherry, cinnamon, cassis, and red currant with supporting notes of black licorice, dark chocolate, and toffee. This beautifully balanced wine features silky tannins and a juicy, plush mouthfeel, with black fruit, black pepper, and black tea elements on the palate and a soft finish. The 2020 ‘L’Esprit des Pavots’ is approachable in its youth but will continue to develop for several years.
Hand Harvested
October 4, 2020 – October 24, 2020
Bottled Unfined
May 10, 2022
Appellation(s)
72% Sonoma & 28% Napa Valley
Aged
18 months in French oak barrels from selected artisan coopers
Release Date
September 1, 2023
Alcohol
16.1%
Blend
42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Cabernet Franc, 29% Merlot
Vintage Notes
Ample rainfall in the winter of 2019 ensured a full soil-moisture profile to begin the growing season. Variable weather from budbreak to veraison resulted in less fruit setting than normal and one of the smallest crops in the last twenty years for Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot at the Knights Valley Estate. The summer was mild, with a long ripening period and moderate heat, which helped deliver wines of extraordinary elegance and supplenesss.
Winegrowing Notes
‘L’Esprit des Pavots’ is French for the “Spirit of the Poppies.” First produced in the 2001 vintage, the wine was sourced solely from our Les Pavots vineyard and affectionately referred to as the “little brother” of our flagship wine. With the 2016 vintage, select lots from our Oakville Estate were introduced to the blend. The wine is typically more fruit-forward and early drinking than ‘Les Pavots’ or ‘Au Paradis’ but remains a true expression of the Peter Michael style—balanced, elegant, and age-worthy.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
The deep garnet red 2019 ‘L’Esprit des Pavots’ bursts from the glass with a volley of blackberry pie, cassis, plum, and blueberry, supported by floral violet and rose petal notes. Clove, black olive, and garrigue accents round out the complex nose. Silky, supple tannins on the entry are followed by an explosive-yet refined midpalate, with black tea, leather, anise, and cinnamon highlights. The sleek, polished finish lingers on the palate. Although approachable now, this wine will continue to develop beautifully in the bottle over the next ten years.
Hand Harvested
October 4, 2019 – October 24, 2019
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
May 12, 2021
Appellation(s)
74% Sonoma & 26% Napa Valley
Aged
18 months in French oak barrels from selected artisan coopers
Release Date
September 1, 2022
Alcohol
14.6%
Blend
30% Cabernet Franc, 28% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon & 16% Petit Verdot
Vintage Notes
Spring was mild and the growing conditions during the entire season were ideal, even with some heat waves in October. The bloom occurred under adequate temperature and humidity. The temperatures remained steady and warm throughout the year, without any significant heat spikes. The yields of our mountain vineyards were slightly higher than the previous vintage but remained small (3 tons per acre). After the end of veraison, a single pass of thinning facilitated the homogenization of the crop. Most of the vineyard blocks were physiologically ripe at the same time with a desirable amount of polyphenols.
Winegrowing Notes
L’Esprit des Pavots’ is French for “The Spirit of the Poppies.” First produced in the 2001 vintage, the wine was sourced solely from our Les Pavots vineyard and affectionately referred to as the “little brother” of our flagship wine. With the 2016 vintage select, lots from our Oakville Estate (Au Paradis Vineyard) were introduced to the blend. The wine is typically more fruit forward and early-drinking than ‘Les Pavots’ or ‘Au Paradis,’ but remains a true expression of the Peter Michael style—balanced, elegant, and age-worthy.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
The 2018 ‘L’Esprit des Pavots’ presents a nearly black color with highlights of crimson ruby. An elegant, floral nose is heightened with accents of dark cherry, caramel, truffle, blackberry, cassis, and toffee. Generous essences of blueberry, blackberry, the black cherry are hallmarks of the Les Pavots terroir, along with plum and hints of mocha and vanilla bean. The Au Paradis terroir brings notes of currant and crème de cassis with meaty nuances. The palate is full-bodied and concentrated, exhibiting savory leather, tobacco, and white pepper with chestnut, black truffle, cedar, and supple tannins with a lingering finish.
Hand Harvested
October 18, 2018 – October 26, 2018
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
May 15, 2020
Appellation(s)
51% Sonoma & 49% Napa Valley
Aged
18 months in French oak barrels from selected artisan coopers
Release Date
April 1, 2021
Alcohol
15.5%
Blend
53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot & 4% Petit Verdot
Vintage Notes
The 2017 growing season began with abundant rainfall, ending California’s long drought. Spring weather was cool, delaying bud break slightly and avoiding any damage from frost. Warmer weather in mid-May insured even blooming and an average sized fruit set. Vines were vigorous thanks to the winter rains. Meticulous canopy management and fruit thinning brought the crop into optimal balance. Warmer than normal conditions after veraison accelerated ripening and required judicious irrigation to mitigate dehydration of the fruit and stress on the vines. As harvest approached, the return of cooler conditions allowed the fruit to gradually reach perfect ripeness.
Winegrowing Notes
L’Esprit des Pavots literally means ‘The Spirit of the Poppies.’ First produced in the 2001 vintage, the wine was sourced in our Les Pavots vineyard and affectionately referred to as the ‘little brother.’ The blend for ‘L’Esprit’ has always been more free-form than Les Pavots, varying more from vintage to vintage. Starting in the 2016 vintage we introduced selected lots from our Au Paradis vineyard in Oakville, Napa Valley. The wine is typically more fruit forward and early-drinking than Les Pavots or Au Paradis, but remains a true expression of the Peter Michael style, balanced, elegant and age worthy.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Generously rich and intense, 2017 L’Esprit des Pavots greets the eye with a near black color and highlights of crimson ruby. The wine displays blueberry, blackberry, black cherry, hallmarks of the Les Pavots terroir, along with plum, with hints of mocha and vanilla bean. The Au Paradis terroir brings notes of currant and crème de cassis with meaty nuances. The palate is full-bodied and concentrated, exhibiting savory of leather, tobacco and white pepper and accents of chestnut, black truffle, cedar and supple tannins with a lingering finish. Fruit forward and enjoyable at release, this wine should age gracefully for ten years or more.
Hand Harvested
September 6, 2017 – October 26, 2017
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
May 15, 2019
Appellation(s)
73% Sonoma & 27% Napa Valley
Aged
18 months in French oak barrels from selected artisan coopers
Release Date
September 1, 2020
Alcohol
14.8%
Blend
35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Cabernet Franc, 30% Merlot & 2% Petit Verdot
Vintage Notes
The near perfect 2016 growing season started with a warm February and early bud break. While California’s drought continued, rains were sufficient to meet the vineyard’s needs. Cool damp conditions at blooming resulted in a smaller than normal fruit set. After veraison, a single pass of green harvest brought the crop into optimal balance. Overall, the vintage was slightly cooler than average, with consistently warm and sunny conditions and only one heat spike. Moderate temperatures at harvest allowed gradual picking as each block achieved perfection, providing excellent flavor development and slightly lower potential alcohol. The vintage produced delicate, classically styled wines with firm acidity and bright fruit.
Winegrowing Notes
L’Esprit des Pavots literally means ‘The Spirit of the Poppies.’ First produced in the 2001 vintage, the wine was sourced in our Les Pavots vineyard and affectionately referred to as the ‘little brother.’ The blend for ‘L’Esprit’ has always been more free-form than Les Pavots, varying more from vintage to vintage. Starting in the 2016 vintage we introduced selected lots from our Au Paradis vineyard in Oakville, Napa Valley. The wine is typically more fruit forward and early-drinking than Les Pavots or Au Paradis, but remains a true expression of the Peter Michael style, balanced, elegant and age worthy.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
The 2016 L'Esprit des Pavots greets the eye with a near black color and highlights of bright crimson. Generously rich, the wine is a beautiful blending of the Les Pavots and Au Paradis terroirs with strong notes of blueberry, chocolate, cedar, coffee, vanilla bean and black truffle. Subtle accents of black cherry, black currant, plum, leather, tobacco and white pepper complete the complex bouquet. The palate is full-bodied and concentrated, exhibiting savory elements with abundant, supple tannins and a lingering finish. Fruit forward and enjoyable at release, this wine should age gracefully for fifteen years or more.
Hand Harvested
September 26, 2016 – October 10, 2016
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
May 15, 2018
Appellation(s)
59% Sonoma County & 41% Napa County
Aged
18 months in French oak barrels from selected artisan coopers
Release Date
September 1, 2019
Alcohol
15.3%
Blend
34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Franc & 9% Petit Verdot
Vintage Notes
The winter was dry, with only 75% of normal rainfall, continuing four years of drought. Unseasonably warm spring temperatures accelerated bud break by three to four weeks. While May brought welcome rain, the cool moist conditions affected the blooming and led to an uneven fruit set. The crop was small and hand thinning, to ensure even maturation, reduced the yields further. Steady warm temperatures dominated the remainder of the growing season providing ideal ripening conditions. A hot spell accelerated the pace of harvest, giving us the earliest finish date in the winery’s history. The picking decisions were crucial and meticulous sorting of the fruit resulted in wines with depth, concentration and balance.
Winegrowing Notes
L’Esprit des Pavots literally means “The Spirit of the Poppies.” First produced in the 2001 vintage, the wine was sourced from our younger vines. As the vineyard matured, “L’Esprit” has evolved into a more typically Californian expression of our Les Pavots vineyard’s terroir. Affectionately referred to as Les Pavots’ little brother, the blend for L’Esprit is a bit more free-form than Les Pavots, varying more from vintage to vintage. The wine is typically more fruit forward and early-drinking than Les Pavots but remains a true expression of the estate’s terroir.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Spectacularly rich and intense, the 2015 L’Esprit des Pavots displays all the features which characterize the Les Pavots terroir: blueberry, vanilla bean, licorice, chocolate, cedar and coffee. The fruit of younger vines brings additional aromas of black cherries, strawberry, red cherry, plum, leather, tobacco, clove, cardamom and white pepper to the complex bouquet. The palate is full-bodied, rich, concentrated, and polished, exhibiting abundant, firm tannins and a lingering finish. Fruit forward and enjoyable at the release, this wine should age for a decade or more.
Hand Harvested
September 12, 2015 – September 26, 2015
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
May 17, 2017
Appellation(s)
Knights Valley
Aged
18 months in French oak barrels from selected artisan coopers
Release Date
September 1, 2018
Alcohol
15.5%
Blend
53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Cabernet Franc, 20% Merlot & 6% Petit Verdot
Vintage Notes
The winter rainfall was 70% of normal, continuing three years of drought. Unseasonably warm temperatures in early spring accelerated bud break by four weeks, then bloom through veraison benefited from moderate temperatures. Early use of drip irrigation was critical for the health of the vines. Meticulous canopy management and substantial crop thinning brought the vines into balance. Ideal Indian summer conditions allowed us to calmly harvest each block as it achieved optimal ripeness. Yields were higher than average, but due to dehydration the skins and pulps of the berries were thicker than normal, resulting in low juice yields at the press, and exceptional concentration in the wines.
Winegrowing Notes
L’Esprit des Pavots literally means “The Spirit of the Poppies.” First produced in the 2001 vintage, the wine was sourced from our younger vines. As the vineyard matured, “L’Esprit” has evolved into a more typically Californian expression of our Les Pavots vineyard’s terroir. Affectionately referred to as Les Pavots’ little brother, the blend for L’Esprit is a bit more free-form than Les Pavots, varying more from vintage to vintage. The wine is typically more fruit forward and early-drinking than Les Pavots but remains a true expression of the estate’s terroir.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Generiously rich and intense, the 2014 L’Esprit des Pavots displays all the features which characterize the Les Pavots terroir: blueberry, vanilla bean, licorice, chocolate, cedar and coffee. The fruit of younger vines brings additional aromas of black cherry, black currant, plum, leather, tobacco and gray and white pepper to the complex bouquet. The palate is full-bodied, and concentrated, exhibiting savory elements and abundant, supple tannins with a lingering finish. Fruit forward and enjoyable at release, this wine should age for a decade or more.
Hand Harvested
October 2, 2014 – October 6, 2014
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
May 18, 2016
Appellation(s)
Knights Valley
Aged
18 months in French oak barrels from selected artisan coopers
Release Date
September 1, 2017
Alcohol
14.5%
Blend
50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Franc & 2% Petit Verdot
Vintage Notes
The 2013 growing season began with a dry spring and mild temperatures, very similar to the previous vintage. Bloom occurred evenly under excellent conditions, setting an ample crop. With the exception of one heat spike in late June, temperatures were consistently optimal, resulting in notably healthy vines. Meticulous canopy management and substantial crop thinning, brought the vines into perfect balance. From veraison to the harvest, a long Indian summer contributed to the exceptional quality of the vintage. Sunny days, followed by cool evenings allowed for even, slow ripening. No rain or large heat spikes made for berries with amazing fruit intensity and a classic varietal profile.
Winegrowing Notes
L’Esprit des Pavots literally means “The Spirit of the Poppies.” First produced in the 2001 vintage, the wine was sourced from our younger vines. As the vineyard matured, “L’Esprit” has evolved into a more Californian expression of our Les Pavots vineyard’s terroir. Affectionately referred to as Les Pavots’ little brother, the blend for L’Esprit is a bit more free-form than Les Pavots, varying more from vintage to vintage. The wine is typically a bit more fruit forward and early-drinking than Les Pavots but remains a true expression of the estate’s terroir.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Spectacularly rich and intense, the 2013 L’Esprit des Pavots displays all the features which characterize the Les Pavots terroir: blueberry, vanilla beans, licorice, chocolate, cedar and coffee. The fruit of younger vines brings additional aromas of black cherries, blackcurrant, plums, leather, tobacco and gray and white pepper to the complex bouquet. The palate is full-bodied, rich and concentrated, exhibiting abundant, supple tannins and a lingering finish. Fruit forward and enjoyable at release, this wine should age for a decade or more.
Hand Harvested
September 6, 2013 – October 15, 2013
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
May 18, 2015
Appellation(s)
Knights Valley
Aged
18 months in French oak barrels from selected artisan coopers
Release Date
September 1, 2016
Alcohol
15.1%
Blend
56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc & 1% Petit Verdot
Vintage Notes
Winter and spring were wet and cold, slightly delaying bud break, flowering and fruit set. The bloom occurred in ideal weather. The climate throughout the summer was picture perfect: temperate with only moderate heat spikes. A long Indian summer of mild temperatures and sunny days was an important factor in the ripening process. Yields for the 2012 harvest were slightly higher than average for all varietals. The vintage gave us beautiful, clean, healthy grape clusters across all varietals, appellations and vineyards.
Winegrowing Notes
L’Esprit des Pavots literally means “The Spirit of the Poppies.” This wine was grown in the original Les Pavots vineyard blocks that we completely replanted between 1996 and 1999 due to phylloxera. In replanting, we spared no expense, utilizing only the rarest and best clones of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The 2012 vintage captures the “spirit” of the Les Pavots terroir.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Spectacularly rich and intense, the 2012 L’Esprit des Pavots displays all the features which characterize the Les Pavots terroir: blueberry, vanilla bean, licorice, chocolate, cedar and coffee. The fruit of younger vines brings additional aromas of black cherry, black currant, plum, leather, tobacco and gray and white pepper to the complex bouquet. The palate is full-bodied, rich and concentrated, exhibiting abundant, supple tannins and a lingering finish. Fruit forward and enjoyable at release, this wine should age for a decade or more.
Hand Harvested
October 13, 2012 – October 21, 2012
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
May 13, 2014
Appellation(s)
Knights Valley
Aged
18 months in French oak barrels from selected artisan coopers
Release Date
September 1, 2015
Alcohol
15.7%
Blend
52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot
Vintage Notes
The 2011 growing season started with a cool, wet spring. While our vineyards did not experience any frost, the temperatures delayed bud break. The weather from fruit set through harvest stayed even, cool and mild. This coupled with the ample spring rains allowed us to dry farm in this vintage. The cool summer also extended the growing season into November, with the fruit benefiting from the additional hang time. Harvest was later than normal. Vineyard blocks were brought in slowly as they reached optimal ripeness. Lower than normal sugar levels contributed to wines showing superb balance and depth of flavor.
Winegrowing Notes
L’Esprit des Pavots literally means “The Spirit of the Poppies.” This wine was grown in the original Les Pavots vineyard blocks that we completely replanted between 1996 and 1999 due to phylloxera. In replanting, we spared no expense, utilizing only the rarest and best clones of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The 2011 vintage, made primarily from these blocks, captures the “spirit” of the Les Pavots terroir.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Deep black with a ruby hue and crimson rim, the 2011 L’Esprit des Pavots has an intense nose of black currant, blueberry, vanilla bean, licorice, chocolate, cedar and coffee. The fruit of the younger vines brings additional aroma of red cherry, plum, black truffle and red pepper to the complex bouquet. The palate is full-bodied, rich and concentrated, exhibiting abundant, youthful and supple tannins alongside a lingering finish. Fruit forward and enjoyable at release, this wine will age well for a decade.
Hand Harvested
October 19, 2011 – November 1, 2011
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
May 16, 2013
Appellation(s)
Knights Valley
Aged
18 months in French oak barrels from selected artisan coopers
Release Date
September 1, 2014
Alcohol
15.5%
Blend
68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot
Vintage Notes
Spring of 2010 was unusually cold. These unseasonable temperatures delayed bud break by a full month and slowed canopy development. Late spring wind added to these early season challenges, leading to uneven fruit set. In response, our vineyard crew conducted extensive green harvesting leaving only a small crop of the most perfect fruit on the vines. Ripening took place in mild conditions with a late burst of heat just before harvest allowing the flavors to fully develop. Though challenging, the 2010 vintage allowed us to dry-farm creating a wine with massive structure, length and elegance.
Winegrowing Notes
L’Esprit des Pavots literally means “The Spirit of the Poppies.” This wine was grown in the original Les Pavots vineyard blocks that we completely replanted between 1996 and 1999 due to phylloxera. In replanting, we spared no expense, utilizing only the rarest and best clones of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The 2010 vintage wine made from these young vine blocks captures the “spirit” of the Les Pavots terroir.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Spectacularly rich and intense, the 2010 L’Esprit des Pavots displays all of the usual features, which characterize the Les Pavots terroir: blueberry, vanilla bean, licorice, chocolate, cedar and coffee. The fruit of the younger vines brings additional aromas of red cherry, plum and red pepper to the complex bouquet. The palate is full-bodied, rich and concentrated, exhibiting abundant, youthful yet supple tannins and a lingering finish. Fruit forward and enjoyable at release, this wine should age well for a decade.
Hand Harvested
October 8, 2010 – October 21, 2010
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
May 18, 2012
Appellation(s)
Knights Valley
Aged
18 months in French oak barrels from selected artisan coopers
Release Date
September 1, 2013
Alcohol
14.6%
Blend
62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot
Vintage Notes
For the second consecutive year, winter and spring were very dry. Bud break occurred a bit late. However, bloom happened under ideal conditions in the first week of June, resulting in a very even set and moderate crop size. As the fruit matured, the weather was ideal for flavor development with only a couple spikes of overly hot weather. Diligent attention by the vineyard staff kept the fruit in near perfect condition. Hand thinning carefully trimmed the crop, reduced yields, and helped to ensure optimal ripeness. As rain approached, harvest was very intense and was completed just in time between October 6th and 14th.
Winegrowing Notes
L’Esprit des Pavots literally means “The Spirit of the Poppies.” This wine was grown in the original Les Pavots vineyard blocks that we completely replanted between 1996 and 1999 due to phylloxera. In replanting, we spared no expense, utilizing only the rarest and best clones of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The 2009 vintage wine made from these young vine blocks captures the “spirit” of the Les Pavots terroir.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
2009 L’Esprit des Pavots is spectacularly rich and intense with all the classic elements which characterize Les Pavots terroir: blueberry, vanilla bean, coffee, cacao bean, cedar, black currant, blackberry, blueberry and subtle notes of grey pepper. The property’s younger vines contribute brighter fruit such as strawberry, black cherry and plum liqueur in addition to a touch of red pepper, which add to the wine’s complex bouquet. The palate is rich, concentrated and full-bodied exhibiting abundant, youthful, yet supple tannins and a refined lingering finish. Fruit forward and enjoyable at release, this wine should age well for a decade.
Hand Harvested
October 6, 2009 – October 14, 2009
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
May 20, 2011
Appellation(s)
Knights Valley
Aged
18 months in French oak barrels from selected artisan coopers
Release Date
September 1, 2012
Alcohol
14.6%
Blend
47% Cabernet Franc, 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot & 2% Merlot
Vintage Notes
Winter precipitation was near normal until February, followed by a very dry spring. Unseasonably cool temperatures delayed bud break by about 10 days and slowed canopy development. Late spring wind and frost added to the early season challenges, leading to a smaller than normal crop. With diligent attention by the vineyard staff, the outcome was a positive one. Ripening took place in ideally mild conditions characterized by sharply contrasting daytime high temperatures and overnight lows. Harvest was surprisingly smooth, finishing a few days earlier than average on October 21. In the barrel, the 2008 wines displayed balance, massive structure, length and elegance.
Winegrowing Notes
L’Esprit des Pavots literally means “The Spirit of the Poppies.” This wine was grown in the original Les Pavots vineyard blocks that we completely replanted between 1996 and 1999 due to phylloxera. In replanting, we spared no expense, utilizing only the rarest and best clones of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The 2008 vintage wine made from these young vine blocks captures the “spirit” of the Les Pavots terroir.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
With all the features which characterize Les Pavots terroir: blueberry, vanilla beans, licorice, chocolate, cedar and coffee; the 2008 L’Esprit des Pavots is spectacularly rich and intense. Younger vines exhibit bright fruit like strawberry, black cherry, and plum in addition to red pepper, adding to its complex bouquet. The palate is full-bodied, rich and concentrated, exhibiting abundant, youthful yet supple tannins and a lingering finish. Fruit forward and enjoyable at release, this wine should age well for a decade.
Hand Harvested
October 2, 2008 – October 23, 2008
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
February 10, 2010
Appellation(s)
Knights Valley
Aged
18 months in French oak barrels from selected artisan coopers
Release Date
September 1, 2011
Alcohol
14.7%
Blend
47% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Franc, 24% Cabernet Sauvignon & 3% Petit Verdot
Vintage Notes
The 2007 growing season began dry. Bud break, bloom and set occurred a bit early and very evenly. The weather was ideal for fruit development from May through harvest, with warm, but not hot days, and cool nights. This contrast of day and night temperatures is ideal for the biosynthesis of the aroma and phenolic compounds. For the Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, these conditions produced very even ripening without interruption. Similarly, harvest was unusually smooth, finishing a few days earlier than average on October 16. In the barrel, the 2007 wines displayed balance, massive structure, length and elegance.
Winegrowing Notes
L’Esprit des Pavots literally means “The Spirit of the Poppies.” This wine was grown in the original Les Pavots vineyard blocks that we completely replanted between 1996 and 1999 due to phylloxera. In replanting, we spared no expense, utilizing only the rarest and best clones of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The 2007 vintage wine made from these young vine blocks captures the “spirit” of the Les Pavots terroir.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
The 2007 L’Esprit des Pavots is spectacularly rich and intense displaying all the characteristics of the Les Pavots terroir: blueberry, vanilla bean, licorice, chocolate, cedar and coffee. The younger vines produce fruit that brings additional aromas of black cherry, strawberry, plum and red pepper to the complex bouquet. The palate is rich, concentrated and full-bodied exhibiting abundant, youthful, yet supple tannins and a lingering finish. Fruit forward and enjoyable at release, this wine should age well for a decade.
Hand Harvested
October 9, 2007 – October 16, 2007
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
May 21, 2009
Appellation(s)
Knights Valley
Aged
18 months in French oak barrels from selected artisan coopers
Release Date
September 1, 2010
Alcohol
14.6%
Blend
44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc & 2% Petit Verdot
Vintage Notes
Winter and spring were very wet, with some hail and snow. A late spring cold snap resulted in slight frost damage, however it did not affect the quality of the harvest. Bud break, bloom and set occurred a bit late but evenly for all varietals. The weather was nearly ideal for fruit development from May through harvest. While there was one sharp heat spike in July, diligent attention by the vineyard staff prevented any crop damage. Excellent sunny conditions and two periods of strong wind significantly accelerated the ripening of our Merlot. Then warm and mild conditions set in, allowing us to calmly pick each micro-parcel at the peak of ripeness. The harvest finished relatively late on November 2nd.
Winegrowing Notes
L’Esprit des Pavots means “The Spirit of the Poppies.” This wine was grown primarily in the original Les Pavots vineyard blocks that we completely replanted between 1996 and 1999 due to phylloxera. In replanting, we spared no expense, utilizing only the rarest and best clones of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The 2006 vintage wine made from these young vine blocks captures the “spirit” of the Les Pavots terroir.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Spectacularly rich and intense, the 2006 L’Esprit des Pavots displays all the features which characterize the Les Pavots terroir: blueberry, vanilla beans, licorice, chocolate, cedar, and coffee. The fruit of younger vines brings additional aromas of black cherries, strawberry, plums and red pepper to the complex bouquet. The palate is full-bodied, rich and concentrated, exhibiting abundant, youthful yet supple tannins and a lingering finish. Fruit forward and enjoyable at release, this wine should age well for a decade.
Hand Harvested
October 17, 2006 – November 2, 2006
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
May 19, 2008
Appellation(s)
Knights Valley
Aged
18 months in French oak barrels from selected artisan coopers
Release Date
September 1, 2009
Alcohol
15.5%
Blend
45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Franc & 2% Petit Verdot
Vintage Notes
The 2005 growing season began as a study in wildly unpredictable weather. However, the legacy of 2005 will be its perfect ripening conditions. Winter and spring were beset with heavy rain. Despite periods of rain and hail in May, bloom for red varietals was very good resulting in an evenly set crop. Just as every conceivable weather fluctuation had challenged the vines, we finally welcomed sunny and warm conditions, giving us an extended and ideal ripening season. Conditions remained virtually perfect and resulted in a smooth harvest yielding great concentrated flavors with phenolic maturity in the red varietals
Winegrowing Notes
L’Esprit des Pavots literally means “The Spirit of the Poppies.”This wine was grown in and made from the original Les Pavots vineyard blocks that we completely replanted between 1996 and 1999 due to phylloxera. In replanting, we spared no expense, utilizing only the rarest and best clones of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The 2005 vintage wine made from these young vine blocks captures the “spirit” of the Les Pavots terroir
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Spectacularly rich and intense, the 2005 L’Esprit des Pavots displays all of the usual features, which characterize the Les Pavots terroir: blueberry, vanilla beans, licorice, chocolate, cedar and coffee. The fruit of the younger vines brings additional aromas of red cherries, plums and red pepper to the complex bouquet. The palate is full-bodied, rich and concentrated, exhibiting abundant, youthful yet supple tannins and a lingering finish. Fruit forward and enjoyable at release, this wine should age well for a decade.
Hand Harvested
October 19, 2005 – October 30, 2005
Bottled
May 17, 2007
Appellation(s)
Knights Valley
Aged
18 months in French oak barrels from selected artisan coopers
Release Date
September 1, 2008
Alcohol
15.1%
Blend
73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot
Vintage Notes
Persistent heavy rains characterized winter 2004, giving way to a sustained heat spell midway through March. As the spring rains ceased for the season a second heat spike resulted in some of the earliest bloom the Peter Michael vineyards had ever witnessed; some in late April. The bloom period was sunny and warm throughout May and resulted in great berry set. Following a hot, dry summer, we entered the final stages of ripening at a consistent, steady and even pace. Because of sustained temperatures in the 90s, harvest began early (in late August) and culminated midway through October.
Winegrowing Notes
L’Esprit des Pavots literally means “The Spirit of the Poppies.” This wine was grown in and made from the original Les Pavots vineyard blocks that we completely replanted between 1996 and 1999 due to phylloxera. In replanting, we spared no expense, utilizing only the rarest and best clones of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The 2004 vintage wine made from these young vine blocks captures the “spirit” of the Les Pavots terroir.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
The 2004 of L’Esprit des Pavots displays all of the usual features, which characterize the Les Pavots terroir: blueberry, vanilla beans, licorice, chocolate, cedar and coffee. Spectacularly rich and intense, the fruit of the younger vines brings additional aromas of red cherries, plums and red pepper to the complex bouquet. The palate is full-bodied, rich and concentrated, exhibiting abundant, youthful yet supple tannins and a lingering finish. Fruit forward and enjoyable at release time, this great wine should age well for a decade.
Hand Harvested
September 22, 2004 – October 12, 2004
Bottled
May 15, 2006
Appellation(s)
Knights Valley
Aged
18 months in French oak barrels from selected artisan coopers
Release Date
September 3, 2007
Alcohol
15.1%
Blend
45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Cabernet Franc, 17% Merlot & 5% Petit Verdot
Vintage Notes
The 2003 growing season was marked by distinct variations in weather patterns. A cold and wet early spring caused arly concern, but a trouble-free bloom in May resulted in excellent berry set for the younger Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot vines. Sunny hot weather followed, dismissing earlier concerns and accelerating ripening and advanced flavors in the grape clusters.The warm weather endured with sustained hot and dry conditions, ensuring even ripening all the way to another classic harvest, commencing on October 25th.
Winegrowing Notes
L'Esprit des Pavots literally means "The Spirit of the Poppies." This wine was grown in and made from the original Les Pavots vineyard blocks that we completely replanted between 1996 and 1999 due to phylloxera. In replanting, we spared no expense, utilizing only the rarest and best clones of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The 2003 vintage wine made from these young vine blocks captures the "spirit" of the Les Pavots terroir.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Spectacularly rich and intense, this second vintage of L'Esprit des Pavots displays all of the usual features which characterize the Les Pavots terroir: blueberry, lavender, licorice, chocolate, cedar and roasted coffee beans. The fruit of the young vines brought additional aromas of red cherries and red pepper to the complex bouguet. Full-bodied, rich and concentrated, the palate exhibits abundant youthful yet beautiful tannins and a lingering finish.Enjoyable at release time, this great wine should age well for a decade.
Vintage Notes
The 2001 growing season began with the coldest spring frosts in winery history, which lowered yields by more than 1 / 3. A hot May and June followed allowing the vines to "catch up." By August the weather evened out and a moderate, dry and sunny September and October brought slow sugar development, small berry size and great concentrations of flavor.
Winegrowing Notes
L'Esprit des Pavots literally means "The Spirit of the Poppies." This wine was grown in and made from the original Les Pavots vineyard blocks that we completely replanted between 1996-99 due to phylloxera. In replanting, we spared no expense, utilizing only the rarest and best clones of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The 2001 vintage wine made from these young vine blocks, while not quite Les Pavots, captures the "spirit" of the Les Pavots terroir.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
You'll recognize all the familiar Les Pavots notes of blueberry, cassis, licorice, cedar, coffee beans and chocolate. Yet these new vines make unique contributions, such as notes of red cherries and sweet red pepper in the wine's complex bouquet. L'Esprit des Pavots is lush, concentrated and full-bodied, with abundant youthful tannins and a long finish. L'Esprit des Pavots can be enjoyed now and should age well for a decade.
Hand Harvested
October 2001
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
May 28th, 2003
Appellation
Knights Valley
Aged
18 months in French oak barrels from selected artisan coopers
Release Date
September 1, 2004
Alcohol
15.6%
Blend
47% Cabernet Franc, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot
Vineyards
Les Pavots Vineyard
Rocky, perfectly drained soil couples with an ideal south-facing exposure and just enough heat to allow Bordeaux varieties to ripen perfectly.
Appellation
Knights Valley, Sonoma County
Soil
Rocky volcanic-origin Rhyolite
Elevation
900–1,400 feet
Varieties
Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon
Planted
1989–1999
Exposure
South
Au Paradis Vineyard
Surrounded by spectacular benchmarks, Au Paradis defines the valley’s possibilities, its fundamental identity. Transcendental, unmistakable, breathtaking.
Appellation
Oakville AVA, Napa Valley
Soil
Rocky red Boomer loam, weathered from volcanic rock, clay, silt, & sand
Elevation
500–600 feet
Varieties
Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot
Planted
1984 and 2007
Exposure
South-Southwest