2005 Peter Michael "L'Esprit des Pavots" Knights Valley Bordeaux Blend

Wilder aromas of plum, flint and smoky oak, with a cooler suggestion of menthol. Sweeter on first blush than the Pavots but with less depth to the flavors of cherry and brown spices. Finishes broad and rich, but with rougher tannins than the suaver flagship Bordeaux blend. (ST)

The second wine, which is called L'Esprit des Pavots, is a noteworthy wine. The 2005 (73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot) shows chocolatey espresso notes, loads of berry fruit, medium body, and a soft, heady finish. This 121-acre estate with 114 producing acres of vineyard all located in Knight’s Valley continues to be at the top of their game and I can’t recommend the wines highly enough. (RP)