Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
One of California’s most delicious wines for drinking during its first 2-3 years of life is Peter Michael’s Sauvignon Blanc l’Apres Midi. The crisp 2004 (88% Sauvignon Blanc and 12% Semillon) offers up scents of figs, melons, oranges, oak, mangoes, and wax.
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Wine Spectator
Fragrant, with pretty floral, citrus, melon and passion fruit scents that are arresting, turning rich and complex on the palate, with layers of fig and apricot folding in on the finish, gaining richness and depth. Drink now. 1,424 cases made.
Capable of a vast array of styles, Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp, refreshing variety that equally reflects both terroir and varietal character. Though it can vary depending on where it is grown, a couple of commonalities always exist—namely, zesty acidity and intense aromatics. This variety is of French provenance. Somm Secret—Along with Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc is a proud parent of Cabernet Sauvignon. That green bell pepper aroma that all three varieties share is no coincidence—it comes from a high concentration of pyrazines (herbaceous aromatic compounds) inherent to each member of the family.
A small and picturesque valley separating Napa Valley on its south border and Alexander Valley to its north, Knights Valley excels in similar varieties as the two aforementioned appellations, namely red Bordeaux varieties and blends, as well as Sauvignon blanc. Originally established by Beringer Vineyards, today several outstanding producers claim acreage here. The circadian cooling effects of the nearby Pacific Ocean create a nighttime respite for vineyards during the hot growing season.