Winemaker 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.
Blend: 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Franc and 9% Petit Verdot.
Professional Ratings
-
Jeb Dunnuck
Leading off the Bordeaux Blends, the 2016 L'Esprit des Pavots offers impressive amounts of black fruits, tobacco, cedarwood, coffee bean, and leafy herb-like aromas and flavors. It’s full-bodied, has a deep, layered texture, ripe tannins, and plenty of upfront, sexy fruit. It’s also incredibly complex as well as a brilliant wine.
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2016 L'Esprit des Pavots is a blend of 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Franc and 9% Petit Verdot. Very deep garnet-purple colored, it's scented of black cherries, warm blackberries and plums with nuances of spice box and cigar box plus a hint of potpourri. The palate is medium to full-bodied, soft, plush and juicy in the mouth, with loads of earthy sparks on the long, fruity finish.
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.