Winemaker Notes
Almost black in color with a deep red edge, the 2007 Les Pavots reveals a profound bouquet of blueberry pie, black cherry, licorice, blackcurrant and blackberry. Supporting notes of chocolate, vanilla, coffee, black tea, subtle spice notes of clove and cinnamon as well as its signature touch of "garrigue" complete the bouquet. On the palate, very powerful and concentrated, yet graceful, the wine confirms the same rich, ripe fruit impressions with spice and black truffle. The mouth feel is massive and round with silky tannins and hints of mocha, leading to a very long finish. This vintage will benefit from two years of cellaring and age gracefully for as long as four decades.
70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc,10% Merlot & 3% Petit Verdot
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2007 Les Pavots, a Bordeaux varietal blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot, and 3% Petit Verdot, is brilliant. Its opaque purple color is accompanied by gorgeously complex aromas of melted chocolate, espresso roast, blackberries, and cassis. Full-bodied with a superb texture, a subtle note of oak, and fabulous concentration, it is more reminiscent of a Right Bank Bordeaux than one expects with this much Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. A thirty-year wine, its impeccable balance and the sweetness of its tannins make it accessible already.
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Wine Spectator
Offering the wonderful purity of youth, this is rich and focused, with layers of blackberry, wild berry, currant and cedar flavors. Full-bodied, firming on the finish, where notes of cedar and mineral join the firm tannins.—Non-blind Les Pavots vertical (March 2011). Drink now through 2025.
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James Suckling
A little tight and firm. Some might call this lean but I like the dark chocolate and blueberry character. Finishes with some chewy tannins, wait until 2014. 14+23+23+33. Find the wine
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International Wine Cellar
Vivid ruby. Youthfully backward aromas of cassis, violet, licorice and tobacco. Chewy dark berry and bitter cherry flavors are framed by solid tannins and complemented by smoky mineral and sweet chewing tobacco elements. Tough to read but highly concentrated, showing a strong finishing licorice and smoky mineral character and a lingering cherry pit note. Give this at least a few more years of bottle aging.
Rating: 93+ -
Wine Enthusiast
A little tight and firm. Some might call this lean but I like the dark chocolate and blueberry character. Finishes with some chewy tannins, wait until 2014. 14+23+23+33. Find the wine
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
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.