LES PAVOTS VINEYARD, PETER MICHAEL ESTATE— High above Knights ValleyPLANTED: 1 9 8 9 – 1 9 9 9 | SOIL: R O C K Y V O L C A N I C - O R I G I N R H YO L I T E | CABERNET SAUVIGNON: 3 3 A C R E S CABERNET FRANC: 6 ACRES | MERLOT: 5 ACRES | PETIT VERDOT: 2 ACRES | EXPOSURE: S O U T H E R L YELEVATION: 1 .00 0 – 1 ,40 0 F E E T

PETER MICHAELWINERY

22014

‘L’Esprit des Pavots’

L’Esprit des PavotsEstate Vineyard Cabernet Blend

2014

Vintage Notes

The winter rainfall was 70% of normal, continuing three years of drought. Unseasonably warm temperatures in early spring accelerated bud break by four weeks, then bloom through veraison benefited from moderate temperatures. Early use of drip irrigation was critical for the health of the vines. Meticulous canopy management and substantial crop thinning brought the vines into balance. Ideal Indian summer conditions allowed us to calmly harvest each block as it achieved optimal ripeness. Yields were higher than average, but due to dehydration the skins and pulps of the berries were thicker than normal, resulting in low juice yields at the press, and exceptional concentration in the wines.

Winegrowing Notes

L’Esprit des Pavots literally means “The Spirit of the Poppies.” First produced in the 2001 vintage, the wine was sourced from our younger vines. As the vineyard matured, “L’Esprit” has evolved into a more typically Californian expression of our Les Pavots vineyard’s terroir. Affectionately referred to as Les Pavots’ little brother, the blend for L’Esprit is a bit more free-form than Les Pavots, varying more from vintage to vintage. The wine is typically more fruit forward and early-drinking than Les Pavots but remains a true expression of the estate’s terroir.

Winemaker’s Tasting Notes

Generiously rich and intense, the 2014 L’Esprit des Pavots displays all the features which characterize the Les Pavots terroir: blueberry, vanilla bean, licorice, chocolate, cedar and coffee. The fruit of younger vines brings additional aromas of black cherry, black currant, plum, leather, tobacco and gray and white pepper to the complex bouquet. The palate is full-bodied, and concentrated, exhibiting savory elements and abundant, supple tannins with a lingering finish. Fruit forward and enjoyable at release, this wine should age for a decade or more.

Wine Information

Harvested: October 2 – October 6, 2014

Blend: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot

Aged 18 months in 100% French oak barrels from artisan coopers

Bottled unfined and unfiltered May 18, 2016

Alcohol: 14.5%

Release Date: September 1, 2017

12400 IDA CLAYTON ROAD • KNIGHTS VALLEY • CALISTOGA, CA 94515

800 354 4459 . petermichaelwinery.com