The Peter Michael 2022 L’Esprit des Pavots contains 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc and 8% Petit Verdot (47% of the fruit comes from Knights Valley in Sonoma County and 53% of the fruit comes from Oakville in Napa County). It has pure aromas of black cherries, blueberries, savory herbs, graphite and violet. The full-bodied palate is ripe and concentrated with fine-grained tannins, mouthwatering acidity and a long, perfumed finish. A total of 1,681 cases were made, and the wine will be released in September of 2025.

Ripe and heady blackcurrant with cedar and tobacco touches as well as clove and garrigue herbs. Very scented. Supple and lithe, quite high acidity sets the tone and gives this bite and frame. Quite taut and coiled, clearly powerful with an underlying sense of heat and spice. Ends grippy and stony. High acidity, mouthwatering but not thick or too ripe, definitely more streamlined and focussed. This is tense in the sense it drives from start to finish not expanding but maintaining a direct core. There’s a sense of the alcohol in the tightness and slight heat on the finish but it’s not overly jammy in terms of fruit presentation. Keeps a lifted and elevated airy element. I like the refinement and there’s definitely purity to the fruit but it’s not super charming right now. I do love the construction though – very classy. Confident and long. Ageing 18 months, 70% new. 6% Petit Verdot completes the blend.