Description
Les Pavots, French for “The Poppies,” was named by Lady Michael after the wild California poppies that colour the landscape of the Knights Valley ranch. The vineyard is planted on the slopes of Mount Saint Helena, delivering distinct aromas and flavors that characterize the proprietary blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. Rocky, rhyolitic soils created through volcanic activity millennia ago, contribute a mineral richness and add to the wine’s complexity.
Notes From The Estate
Near black in color with saturated ruby and vermillion nuances, 2015 Les Pavots reveals a deep bouquet of cacao powder, dried blossoms, dried red fruit, black cherry and currant, blueberry and licorice, with nuances of cigar box, graphite, vanilla and black truffle with a stylish ‘garrigue’ touch. Extremely full-bodied, the palate echoes the nose with the same rich, ripe fruit tones and diverse spice notes. The mouth feel is dense, round and seamless, with supple tannins, savory clove and tobacco elements and beautiful ‘patina’ notes leading to a long finish with subtle mineral accents. The wine provides a classic presentation of the estate’s terroir and will age gracefully for two decades.
Scored 95 points by Lisa Perrotti-Brown for Robert Parker on October 31st 2017.