Peter Michael L Esprit Des Pavots 2020

The 2020 vintage of Peter Michael L Esprit Des Pavots, crafted under the meticulous guidance of winemaker Robert Fiore, emerges as a quintessential embodiment of the winery’s dedication to creating balanced, elegant, and age-worthy wines. This blend, consisting of 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Cabernet Franc, and 29% Merlot, is a harmonious melange of fruit from the Sonoma and Napa Valley regions, specifically 72% from Knights Valley and 28% from Oakville.

The wine Peter Michael L Esprit Des Pavots presents an opulent, opaque ruby color, a testament to the unique climatic conditions of 2020, which saw an unprecedentedly dry February followed by late rains, leading to an excellent water profile at the onset of the growing season. Despite the cool temperatures for most of the year, punctuated by heat spikes in late August and early September, the harvest yielded fruit of exceptional quality.

On the nose, the wine exudes a vibrant and complex array of aromas. It leaps from the glass with a bright fanfare of ripe cherry, cassis, and red currant, seamlessly intertwined with intriguing notes of cinnamon, black licorice, dark chocolate, and toffee. This aromatic profile is beautifully complemented by a subtle undercurrent of forest earth, hinting at the wine’s Sonoma character.

The palate is a luxurious journey, revealing layers of black fruit ” notably boysenberry ” accompanied by nuances of black pepper, black tea, and a hint of orange peel. Its full-bodied nature is elegantly balanced by silky tannins and a juicy, plush mouthfeel. The wine’s complexity is further highlighted by nuances of mint chocolate, rose petals, soy sauce, cedar, green pine needles, and hints of walnuts. These elements coalesce to create a wine that is both approachable in its youth and promising of further development over the next decade.

The 2020 Peter Michael L Esprit Des Pavots has been aged for 18 months in French oak barrels from selected artisan coopers, adding a layer of refined complexity and depth. The wine was hand-harvested between October 4 and October 24, 2020, and was bottled unfined on May 10, 2022. With an alcohol content of 16.1%, it strikes a balance between potency and elegance.

Critical acclaim for this vintage has been resoundingly positive. Jeb Dunnuck awarded it 94 points, lauding its inky red color with a purple tinge and a palate that balances sweet fruit with savory notes, culminating in a long, satisfying finish. Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate also gave it 94 points, praising its pure, layered scents and full-bodied palate with abundant, finely grained tannins and energetic acidity. James Suckling contributed a score of 93 points, highlighting its fleshy richness and integrated, polished tannins.

In summary, the 2020 Peter Michael L Esprit Des Pavots is a testament to the unique terroir of its Sonoma and Napa Valley origins. Its intricate blend of varietals, meticulous winemaking, and the distinctive vintage conditions have culminated in a wine that is not only a delight to the senses but also a profound expression of the spirit and style of Peter Michael Winery.