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 vibrant 2020 ‘L’Esprit des Pavots’ leaps from the glass with a bright fanfare of ripe cherry, cinnamon, cassis, and red currant with supporting notes of black licorice, dark chocolate, and toffee. This beautifully balanced wine features silky tannins and a juicy, plush mouthfeel, with black fruit, black pepper, and black tea elements on the palate and a soft finish. The 2020 ‘L’Esprit des Pavots’ is approachable in its youth but will continue to develop for several years.
Scored 94 points by Erin Brooks for Robert Parker on February 16th 2023.