Peter Michael Les Pavots 2019

Les Pavots, French for “The Poppies,” was named by the Lady Michael after the wild California poppies that color the landscape of the Michael's estate. The vineyard is planted on the slopes of Mount Saint Helena, delivering distinct aromas and flavors that define this proprietary blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. Since the debut 1989 vintage, this refined cuvée offers a signature profile of blueberry notes, a hint of herbs de Provence, and a wonderful expression of the full spectrum of red Bordeaux varieties.

94/100 - From one of the smallest yields in the history of this Knights Valley vineyard, the 2019 Les Pavots matured in 70% new French oak. It's a dark, concentrated effort, with straightforward aromas of black cherries, cassis, vanilla and dark chocolate, a full-bodied, plush feel on the palate and a long, velvety finish. A delicious blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, it should possess close to two decades of drinkability. - Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate

96/100 - The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Les Pavots is a dense, powerful wine that is going to need at least a few years to shed some baby fat. A rush of blue/purplish fruit, lavender, sage, tobacco, grilled herbs and incense washes across the palate. There's terrific depth, but the 2019 is so young. The 2019 is one of the more refined young Les Pavots I can remember tasting. It will be exquisite in another few years' time. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous 

94/100 - Strong and rich nose, powerful and expressive with dark chocolate and dark black berry fruit. Stewed, concentrated, jammy, this is rich and abundant, generous in terms of fruit with a spiced, slightly iron-rich tang on the tongue. Vanilla and cinnamon give a sense of aromatic spice, alongside tobacco, scrubland notes and menthol elements. Quite direct, not so much expansion in the mouth, rather more focussed but with depth and length of flavour. Good freshness and I like the clarity you get on the mid palate. Long length, it's got the trademarks of Napa abundance but I like the nuance. Luc Morlet consultant. 5% Petit Verdot completed the blend. Ageing 18 months in 100% French oak barrels. - Georgina Hindle, Decanter

99/100 - This is very perfumed with blackberry and pine-cone aromas, as well as raspberries and black cherries. Full-bodied with firm, velvety tannins that are tight-grained. Creamy and beautiful. Currant and graphite flavors come through. Lightly chewy at the end. 60% cabernet sauvignon, 21% merlot, 14% cabernet franc and 5% petit verdot. Drink after 2025. - James Suckling, jamessuckling.com