Peter Michael Estate Les Pavots

Grown on the slopes of Mount St. Helena in Knights Valley, the distinctive aromas and flavor notes of our own cuvée made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot clearly reflect their mountainous origin. The rocky, rhyolitic soils, formed thousands of years ago by volcanic activity, impart a mineral character to the wine and contribute to its complexity. Les Pavots spans 46 acres and rises to an elevation of nearly 1,400 feet. Merlot and Cabernet Franc thrive on the cool upper slopes, with Cabernet Sauvignon just below. The nose reveals an intense bouquet of cocoa powder, potpourri, black cherry, blueberry, and licorice, with hints of cedarwood, cigar box, black tea, graphite, vanilla, black truffle, and a touch of garrigue. The wine is very full-bodied and elegant, offering the same rich, ripe fruit impressions on the palate. The mouthfeel is dense and round, with smooth tannins and earthy notes that lead into a long finish. A complex wine that can age for two decades, showcasing the terroir of the estate in a classic manner.