Peter Michael Les Pavots Knights Valley 2008 1.5L

'Top 100 Wine of 2011 (#50)' and 98 points Wine Spectator: "Presents a dazzling array of flavors, along with focus, style and authenticity. Dark, dense and spicy, with dark berry, mineral, cedar, sage, roasted caraway and tobacco flavors, this is full-blown yet graceful and detailed, with a tremendous finish that reverberates with the joys of ripe, stylish Cabernet. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2024. (7/6/11)"

97 points James Suckling: "This is my favorite vintage of recent with loads of roses and plums and berries. Flower petals and sandalwood too. It's full-bodied and beautiful with firm tannins and a lovely balance. Fruity and long. Rich and juicy finish. Already gorgeous. Wonderful length. I would still wait until 2014. 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc, 8% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot. (6/15/11)"

95 points Robert Parker: "Peter Michael’s Bordeaux program is built around their flagship Cabernet Sauvignon-based wine, Les Pavots. The 2008 Les Pavots, a blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc and 11% Merlot, offers up notes of roasted coffee, cocoa, chocolate fudge, black currants, licorice and a hint of truffles. This full-bodied, beautifully rich red boasts an opulent texture, impressive purity and a long finish. Impressively made with impeccable attention to detail (it is sorted berry by berry rather than grape bunch by grape bunch), this 3,500-case cuvee should drink well for two decades or more. Quality-wise, the 2008 is just a notch behind the stratospheric 2007. (Feb 2011)"

Producer notes: "67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc, 8% Merlot & 3% Petit Verdot. The 2008 Les Pavots reveals a deep, layered bouquet of black cherry, licorice, black currant, blueberry pie, and blackberry combined with chocolate, vanilla, coffee, black tea, subtle spicy notes of cloves and cinnamon and its distinctive ‘garrigue’ touch. The complexity and intense character continue into the finish with a massive mouthfeel, lasting impressions on the palate and round, silky tannins. 2008 Les Pavots will benefit from three years of cellaring for near term enjoyment and will age gracefully for two decades or more. Alcohol 14.5%.