Peter Michael Les Pavots Single Vineyard Sonoma Valley 2021

There is no doubt that this wine ranks among the greats of the wine world. "Les Pavots', named after the poppies typical of the region – a name derived from French to symbolise its proximity to Bordeaux – is a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot and 6% Petit Verdot. The vineyard is situated on the slopes of Mount Saint Helena in Knights Valley, featuring rocky, rhyolitic soils and reaching an altitude of up to 426 metres. It is a deep, dark, almost opaque wine with fantastic fruit notes of blackcurrant, blackberries and blueberries, accompanied by spices, graphite, wildflowers, cloves and a hint of aniseed. The powerful attack gives way to a wealth of silky, refined tannins, deep minerality and finesse. Jeb Dunnuck awards 99/100 points, whilst The Wine Advocate, Vinous and James Suckling each award 97/100.