Description
‘L’Esprit des Pavots’ is French for “The Spirit of the Poppies.” First produced in the 2001 vintage, the wine was sourced solely from the Les Pavots vineyard and affectionately referred to as the “little brother” of Peter Michael's flagship wine. With the 2016 vintage, select lots from the Oakville Estate were introduced to the blend. The wine is typically more fruit-forward and early-drinking than ‘Les Pavots’ or ‘Au Paradis,’ but remains a true expression of the Peter Michael style—balanced, elegant, and age-worthy.
Notes From The Estate
The 2018 ‘L’Esprit des Pavots’ presents a nearly black color with highlights of crimson ruby. An elegant, floral nose is heightened with accents of dark cherry, caramel, truffle, blackberry, cassis, and toffee. Generous essences of blueberry, blackberry, the black cherry are hallmarks of the Les Pavots terroir, along with plum and hints of mocha and vanilla bean. The Au Paradis terroir brings notes of currant and crème de cassis with meaty nuances. The palate is full-bodied and concentrated, exhibiting savory leather, tobacco, and white pepper with chestnut, black truffle, cedar, and supple tannins with a lingering finish.
Scored 93 points by Antonio Galloni for Vinous in December 2021.