2011 Peter Michael, Clos du Ciel Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, Bottle (750ml)

DR98 "Clos du Ciel comes from the southern part of the Seaview Vineyard, where maritime influence is limited and sun exposure is maximised. Its bold nature calls for foie gras served on toast points with a blackberry jam. It's a dense and concentrated purple colour in the glass. Aromas of dried rose petals, fresh pluots and Earl Grey tea lead into a robust and musky note on the palate, with generous tannic structure and a striking finish. " ED for DR Mar 2019

"Another gorgeous, perfectly balanced wine, although not quite as rich as the 2010, is the 2011 Pinot Noir Clos de Ciel. Lots of forest floor, underbrush, cola and red and black currant characteristics are present in this more evolved yet surprisingly powerful and dense 2011." RP Dec 2013
The Peter Michael estate has grown considerably with their vineyards in the Fort Ross-Seaview region of the Sonoma Coast region producing some remarkable Pinot Noirs, and their Chardonnay vineyards in Knights Valley having been at the top of the qualitative hierarchy for many years. Add to that their proprietary Bordeaux blend called Les Pavots, their remarkable Sauvignon Blanc and their Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon blend. Additionally, they have purchased a great parcel of vines in the Oakville Corridor near the well-known Dalla Valle property. Owned by Sir Peter Michael, this estate has employed a bevy of brilliant winemakers over the years, the current being the two Morlet brothers from the Champagne district in France. Nick Morlet is employed full-time as the main winemaker, and his brother, Luc, consults at Peter Michael. Both have brought French savoir-faire and applied it to extraordinary vineyard sites to produce world-class wines of extraordinary richness, intensity and complexity. Readers looking for some of the best Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, Sauvignon Blancs, Sauvignon/Semillon blends, and Bordeaux proprietary red blends can do no better than the wines from the Peter Michael Winery. Published Dec. 29, 2013