Description
The first vineyard planted on the Knights Valley Estate, Les Pavots (“The Poppies”) remains the signature wine of Peter Michael. Spanning 49 acres, Les Pavots rises to nearly 1,400 feet in elevation. Merlot and Cabernet Franc are planted on the cooler upper slopes, with Cabernet Sauvignon thriving in the warmer sections just below. Always a Cabernet Sauvignon–led Bordeaux blend, the distinctive aromas of this exceptional wine clearly express its hillside terroir. Hand-harvested, vinified with meticulous care, and aged for 18 months in French oak, this stunning wine stands shoulder to shoulder with the finest estates of the Old World.
The 2016 vintage was near perfect. Slightly cooler than average overall, it began early with a warm, dry spring and just enough rainfall to meet the vineyard’s needs. A long Indian summer allowed for excellent ripening and flavour development, while moderate harvest temperatures enabled gradual picking as each block reached optimal maturity. The result was a generous crop of Bordeaux varietals and wines of uncommon depth and concentration.
The 2016 Les Pavots displays a sophisticated bouquet of fresh leather, morel mushroom, vanilla bean, black fruits, cherry, blackberry, blueberry coulis, and a refined garrigue note. Full-bodied and elegant, the palate mirrors these rich, ripe fruit flavours. The mouthfeel is dense and rounded, with supple tannins and subtle mineral notes leading to a long, graceful finish. Approachable now, the wine offers a classic expression of the estate’s terroir and will reward four years of cellaring, continuing to age beautifully for two decades.
