2008 Peter Michael, Les Pavots, Knights Valley, Bottle (750ml) [stained label]

WS98 "Presents a dazzling array of flavors, along with focus, style and authenticity. Dark, dense and spicy, with dark berry, mineral, cedar, sage, roasted caraway and tobacco flavors, this is full-blown yet graceful and detailed, with a tremendous finish that reverberates with the joys of ripe, stylish Cabernet. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot." JL for WS Sep 2011

JS97 "This is my favorite vintage of recent with loads of roses and plums and berries. Flower petals and sandalwood too. It's full-bodied and beautiful with firm tannins and a lovely balance. Fruity and long. Rich and juicy finish. Already gorgeous. Wonderful length. I would still wait until 2014. 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc, 8% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot." JS jun 2011

Robert Parker writes, "This is another winery where the stylistic differences between the 2009s (lower in alcohol, lighter-bodied, yet still intense) and the 2008s (powerful, rich, concentrated and deep because of tiny yields) are dramatic. I tended to rate the 2008s slightly higher because there is more to them and they will undoubtedly last longer, but the cool harvest 2009's larger crop size has produced wines with stunning elegance and finesse without the luxurious tactile impressions possessed by the 2008s. The Peter Michael Winery is the California outpost of British-born Sir Peter Michael who has shown a Midas touch for selecting brilliant winemakers, including Helen Turley, Mark Aubert, Luc Morlet and more recently Luc’s brother, Nicolas. The consistency of these offerings from the cool climate hillside vineyards in Knight’s Valley and the Sonoma Coast has been respected and cherished by each of these winemakers." Published: Feb 27, 2011