The 1997 Les Pavots originates from a hillside vineyard overlooking the Knight's Valley that has 23 acres planted with Bordeaux varietals. The 1997 blend consists of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, and 9% Cabernet Franc. The wine was aged in French oak (50% new), and bottled without filtration. Fortunately, there are 4,351 cases of 750 ml bottles, as well as 330 cases of magnums. A blue/black/purple color is followed by an extraordinary bouquet of toast, blackberries, creme de cassis, licorice, and cedar. Full-bodied, with silky tannin, low acidity, and layers of concentrated, pure black fruits judiciously wrapped in subtle toasty oak, this wine can be drunk early, but promises to hit its peak in 5-7 years, and last for two or more decades.

Dark, ripe, rich and focused, this California red offers tiers of currant, mineral, anise, sage and cedar, all folding neatly together and finishing with a chocolaty edge. Drink now through 2009. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 4,351 cases made.

Very deep, saturated ruby. Extremely complex nose melds brambly blueberry and blackberry, cassis, molasses, tar, cocoa and lavender. Very thick and sweet but quite primary; powerfully structured and muscular but not hard thanks to its huge buffering extract and reasonably elevated pH. Substantial tannins spread out to suffuse the entire palate. This very impressive wine has the balance and sheer material to enjoy a long and slow development in bottle. The most impressive cabernet I've yet tasted from Peter Michael.