1997 Peter Michael Les Pavots Proprietary Blend - 96 pts!
The 1997 Les Pavots originates from a hillside vineyard overlooking the Knight's Valley that has 23 acres planted with Bordeaux varietals. The 1997 blend consists of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon 12% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc. The wine was aged in French oak 50% new and bottled without filtration. Fortunately there are 4351 cases of 750 ml bottles as well as 330 cases of magnums. A blue/black/purple color is followed by an extraordinary bouquet of toast blackberries creme de cassis licorice and cedar. Full-bodied with silky tannin low acidity and layers of concentrated pure black fruits judiciously wrapped in subtle toasty oak this wine can be drunk early but promises to hit its peak in 5-7 years and last for two or more decades.RP