2019 Peter Michael, L'Esprit des Pavots, Knights Valley, Bottle (750ml)

JD94 Blended from sites in both Napa (Oakville) and Sonoma, the 2019 L'Esprit Des Pavots could be considered a killer “second wine,” revealing a nose that is fresh with black plum, vanilla, and crushed purple flowers. The palate is rich, inviting, and deceptively easy-drinking, with juicy fruit and refreshing acidity that pulls through it to encourage you to go back for more. Drink now and over the next 15 years.Sir Peter Michael founded his eponymous winery in 1982, after having been inspired by the wine of Chateau Montelena, which led him to California. In 2020, Robert Fiore took the helm as winemaker, but the previous winemaker, Luc Morlet, remains as a consultant. Robert studied at the Colorado School of Mines, which led him to a career in environmental geophysics, before finding his path into the world of wine. He went on to UC Davis to study Viticulture and Enology. Most recently, Robert was a member of the winemaking team at Continuum in Napa. Vineyard manager Javier Avina has championed the land since 1991. Each of the sites are steep hillsides that modulate with varied exposition and soils in the Knights Valley. Sir Peter’s son Paul and his wife Emily oversee the management of the winery today.