- 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot
- Sourced from the Les Pavots “The Poppies” Vineyard at Peter Michael’s Estate in Knights Valley AVA
- Planted in 1989-1999
- Volcanic-origin rhyolite soils
- Southerly exposure
- 1,000-1,400 ft elevation
- Hand-harvested
- Aged 18 months in 100% French oak
- 15.7% abv
Info
Producer:
Vintage:
2020
Country:
United States
Region:
California
Appellation:
Knights Valley
Variety:
Blend - Bordeaux
Color:
Red
Farming Practice:
Sustainable
Sizes Available
Full Bottle | US-PMW-41-20 | 12/750ml |
Press & Reviews
James Suckling
Score
97
Date
2022-10-05
"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."
Vinous
Score
93
Date
2023-06-01
"The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Les Pavots is a delicate, understated wine. The 2020 shows a bit less mid-palate density than in most years, but its balance is impeccable. Dried flowers, spice, leather, tobacco and incense are all nicely layered in this attractive, mid-weight Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. The blend is, unusually, high in Cabernet Sauvignon and low in both Merlot and Cabernet Franc because of the stringent selection required in 2020."
Wine Advocate
Score
95
Date
2023-02-16
"The 2020 Les Pavots is made up of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot and 3% Petite Verdot and includes fruit from some of the oldest vines at Peter Michael, planted in 1989. Unusually, there is no Cabernet Franc in the blend this vintage, as it was affected by the wildfire smoke. Deep ruby-purple in color, it is shy to begin, taking time to reveal pure red plums, chocolate, graphite, green bell pepper and tobacco leaves. The medium-bodied palate offers generous, alluringly herbal fruits, a luxurious, silky frame and seamless acidity, finishing long and latent. It develops dramatically in the glass, suggesting it will require a few hours in the decanter to show at its best. 1,910 cases were made; this will be released in February of 2023."