Winemaker Notes
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.
Blend: 47% Cabernet Franc, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The seriousness of a Bordeaux varietal program is evidenced by the quality of Peter Michael’s second wine, L’Esprit des Pavots. This is no ordinary second wine, and it is probably inappropriate to even think of it that way as each of the vintages to date has merited an outstanding score. Even better from bottle than it was from barrel, the 2001 L’Esprit des Pavots (an 843-case blend of 47% Cabernet Franc, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot) boasts a deep ruby purple color, a silky texture, and a sweet nose of licorice, white chocolate, laurel, and creme de cassis. It is a beautiful, opulent, medium to full-bodied red to enjoy now.
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Wine Spectator
Deliciously smooth, rich and polished, with a complex array of currant, blackberry, melted chocolate and mocha flavors, offering a wealth of concentrated flavors and a long, intense, yet graceful and harmonious finish that lingers, echoing coffee and smoky oak.
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.