Winemaker 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 bouquet. Full-bodied, rich and concentrated, the palate exhibits abundant youthful yet beautiful tannins and a lingering finish.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2003 l’Esprit des Pavots offers chocolate, fresh herb, smoky, meaty, black currant and licorice-imbued flavors with moderately high tannin in the slightly austere finish. It does not possess the charm and silkiness of the 2004.
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.