Benchmark Wines by

Peter Michael

The Winery

Peter Michael

Along the slopes of the St. Helena Mountains, stands a winery shaped around a simple philosophy, “mountain vineyards, classical winemaking, limited production.” The plan may seem simple, but the complexity behind each cuvee of Sir Peter Michael’s impressive résumé makes this estate a must for those in search of New World terroir in balance with Old World technique. Whether it is crisp, cool-mountain Chardonnays, or sun-bathed red blends from the valley floor, this great estate can provide a stunning example to fit anyone’s palate. Not to mention, spanning nearly 30 years, the winemaking alums from Peter Michael include Helen Turley, Mark Aubert, and currently Nicolas Morlet. So it is no surprise that those who appreciate a fine wine seem to always have a little Peter Michael in their cellars. Do you?

www.petermichaelwinery.com

2002
Out of Stock
3L
WA98–99
WS92–98
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View all wines by Peter Michael

Tasting Notes

WA99
A great, great success (and of course, this is Knight’s Valley material), the 2002 Les Pavots, which I loved from barrel as well as bottle, still has a good 20+ years of life ahead of it. At this point, it is tasting like a vigorous young adolescent in its evolutionary development. The blend in 2002 from the winery was 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 7% Petit Verdot. Moreover there are just under 3,000 cases of this spectacular wine, which I’m hoping many readers have cellared away. Inky black/purple, with a nose of incense, licorice, balsamic and Asian soy notes interwoven with blackberry, blueberry and hints of truffle and camphor, this wine is full-bodied, opulent and voluptuously textured, with sensational mid-palate, depth and richness. This is a killer Bordeaux-styled, ripe, exuberant, flamboyant red from Peter Michael that stands as one of the all-time great Les Pavots cuvees ever made. It ideally needs another 3-4 years of cellaring, although it is quite accessible and should keep for a minimum of 20 or more years. Bravo!
WS92
This is a much better wine than in its youth, with more to like now than earlier on. Very ripe, with currant, black cherry, blueberry pie and spice flavors that are supple and refined.

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