Introduction
Peter Michael Les Pavots Knights Valley Magnum 2021 is a monumental red wine. It serves as the flagship Bordeaux-style blend from the esteemed Peter Michael Winery. We present this wine in a 1.5-liter magnum format. The larger bottle allows for a slower and more graceful aging process. Thus, it is an excellent choice for a special occasion or for cellaring. The name “Les Pavots” means “The Poppies.” Lady Michael named it to honor the wild California poppies that color the hillside vineyard each spring. This proprietary blend includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. We grow it on the steep, rocky slopes of Mount Saint Helena. The 2021 vintage had a long, mild growing season, which yielded small, concentrated grapes. This resulted in a wine with exceptional depth and power. It embodies a classic mountain-grown Cabernet blend.
Character Description
This wine has an opaque, deep garnet-purple color. The bouquet is intensely complex and aromatic. It features a concentrated blend of black currant, blueberry liqueur, and blackberry crumble. Sophisticated layers of lilac, graphite, wild sage, and a hint of crushed rock minerality beautifully support these dark fruit notes. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and powerful, and it has a dense, muscular core of black and blue fruit. Clay-textured tannins and bright acidity give the wine a commanding structure and a remarkable freshness. The finish is exceptionally long and expansive, leaving a lasting impression of rich fruit and nuanced savory notes.
Perfect Pairings
This structured and powerful Bordeaux blend is perfect for robust and elegant dishes. Its rich fruit and firm tannins make it an excellent partner for rich red meats. For example, it pairs well with grilled ribeye steak, roasted leg of lamb with rosemary, or braised short ribs. It also pairs beautifully with dishes featuring earthy flavors, like a savory mushroom and truffle risotto, or hard, aged cheeses like Cheddar or Gruyère. For an optimal experience, consider decanting this wine to allow its complex aromatics to fully express themselves.
About the Winery
Sir Peter Michael founded Peter Michael Winery in 1982 with a vision to create world-class, terroir-driven wines based on classical French traditions. The winery’s philosophy is “mountain vineyards, classical winemaking, limited production.” This dedication to meticulous viticulture and non-interventionist winemaking allows the unique character of each vineyard to express itself. The Les Pavots is a testament to this philosophy, showcasing the remarkable power, finesse, and age-worthiness that their mountain-grown Bordeaux varietals can achieve.
