Peter Michael Winery L'Esprit des Pavots 2021 (750ml)

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Producer	Peter Michael Winery
Country	United States
Region	California
Subregion	North Coast
Varietal	Red Blend
Vintage	2021
Sku	10125
Size	750ml

 

WA

95

The dark ruby 2021 ‘L’Esprit des Pavots’ offers an intense perfume of red and black cherry, blackberry pie, crushed rose petal, black currant and red plum supported by hints of dark chocolate, black pepper, anise and black olive. The supple entry leads to soft, but plentiful silky tannins which persist through the mid-palate and lengthy finish. This round, plush ‘L’Esprit des Pavots’ is more approachable now than its ‘Au Paradis’ and ‘Les Pavots’ counterparts but the 2021 vintage promises to improve for more than a decade in the cellar.

‘L’Esprit des Pavots’ is French for “The Spirit of the Poppies.” First produced in the 2001 vintage, the wine was sourced solely from our Les Pavots vineyard and affectionately referred to as the “little brother” of our flagship wine. With the 2016 vintage, select lots from our Oakville Estate (Au Paradis Vineyard) were introduced to the blend. The wine is typically more fruit-forward and early-drinking than ‘Les Pavots’ or ‘Au Paradis’ but remains a true expression of the Peter Michael Winery style: balanced, elegant, and age-worthy.

58% Napa Valley, 42% Sonoma County

38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot aged for 18 months in 100% French oak barrels from select artisan coopers.

The 2021 L'Esprit des Pavots comes from two of Peter Michael's three estate vineyards and favors Oakville fruit (58%) over Knights Valley fruit (42%) this vintage. A blend of 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, it's a touch more open than its single-site counterparts, the Au Paradis and Les Pavots, although its aromas are just as pure. It has generous, layered scents of red and black currants and kirsch with accents of cocoa powder, cigars, aniseed, damp earth and desert sage. It strikes an effortless balance of concentrated flavors, sparks of fresh acidity and pixelated tannins, and it has a long, nuanced finish. Despite its upfront appeal, it will age gracefully over the next 10–15 years. 1,121 cases were made, and the L'Esprit des Pavots will be released in July of 2024. Anticipated Maturity: 2030-2045