2001 L'Esprit des Pavots
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Tasting notes
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 and over the next 10-12 year. P.S. For those who have them in the bottle, the final ratings for the 2002 Chardonnays are as follows: Belle Cote (96), La Carriere (97), Cuvee Indigene (95), Ma Belle Fille (96), Mon Plaisir (94), and Point Rouge (98). Tel. (707) 942-4459; Fax (707) 942-0209
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(from a replantation of the original block that made the 1988 through 1991 Pavots vintages) Bright full ruby. Black cherry, blackberry, blueberry, minerals, bitter chocolate and licorice on the nose. Juicy and fruit-driven, with considerable early appeal. Less dense than the big boy but still chewy and sweet. Finishes with firm, less noble tannins and a strong torrefaction note of chocolate that slightly dries the fruit.
About the producer
Founded in 1983 by Sir Peter Michael CBE and his wife Margaret, Peter Michael Winery produces some of California’s finest wines.