2020 Peter Michael, Les Pavots, Knights Valley, Bottle (750ml)

JS97 (Peter Michael Winery Sonoma County Knights Valley Les Pavots, United States) This is a powerful red with blackberry, black olive and a hint of mint. Some brown sugar, too. Full-bodied and dense, with lots of fruit and velvety, plush tannins. Crushed-stone and wet-earth character, too. The higher percentage of merlot (14%) and no cabernet franc makes this unique for Les Pavots. Give it three or four years to open.

JA96 Of the two Peter Michael 2020 wines on the Place this September, for me this is where the heart is. The 100% new oak seems well in balance, with the freshness and cut herb character bringing delicious balance and juice to the ripe cassis and blackberry fruits. Plenty of liqourice, sage, rosemary and cigar box as it opens, and the high alcohol is balanced by sappy freshness, with a trace of salinity on the finish. Luc Morlet consultant. The Cabernet Franc that is usually in the blend isn't here because it was impacted by the wildfires.