Description
The 2014 vintage at Le Caprice was shaped by a dry winter and an unusually early start to the growing season, with bud break arriving well ahead of schedule. Warm spring conditions gave way to a long, steady summer, allowing the vines to progress evenly through flowering and fruit set. Careful vineyard management, including precise irrigation and meticulous crop thinning, ensured balance and concentration across the site. A settled Indian summer provided ideal conditions for harvesting each parcel at optimal maturity, resulting in a Pinot Noir of remarkable harmony and depth.
Le Caprice takes its name from the mercurial nature of Pinot Noir itself. The vineyard is dramatically positioned on steep, high-elevation slopes ranging from just over 1,000 to nearly 1,450 feet above sea level, with predominantly east and north-east exposures. This setting combines cool Pacific influences with gentle mountain sunshine, while complex soils of clay, silt and volcanic gravel contribute structure, finesse and a subtle mineral edge. Among Peter Michael’s estate Pinot Noir sites, Le Caprice is noted for its generous fruit expression and polished character.
In the glass, the wine shows a deep ruby hue with vivid crimson highlights. Aromatically, it opens with layered notes of ripe raspberry, red cherry and blackberry, complemented by nuances of graphite, leather and savoury woodland tones. The palate is expressive and finely textured, offering flavours of cherry compote, wild strawberry and raspberry, interwoven with sandalwood, forest floor, hazelnut and subtle game notes. The finish is rounded, mineral-driven and persistent, with a tactile elegance that reflects both site and vintage.
This Ex-Cellar magnum originates from long-term professional storage at The Vineyard Hotel, Newbury (UK). Presentation is consistent with extended cellar ageing. Already showing considerable complexity, the wine has the structure and balance to continue evolving gracefully over the coming decade and beyond.
