2006 Peter Michael - Les Pavots Proprietary Blend - USA - California - Sonoma - Knights Valley - Red

($175; 77% cabernet sauvignon, 13% cabernet franc, 8% merlot and 2% petit verdot) Glass-staining ruby. Powerful aromas of red- and blackcurrant, with deeper cherry compote, tobacco and candied licorice emerging with air. Very rich but surprisingly graceful, offering sweet red and dark berry flavors, velvety texture and a suave floral pastille quality. Tightens up on the finish, which repeats the redcurrant and licorice notes and simply refuses to let up. This wine's depth and linear character are something else. There is more cabernet sauvignon in this Pavots than in any previous bottling, according to Nick's brother Luc, who still consults here. (JR)

The 2006 Les Pavots (a 2,730-case blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Merlot and Petit Verdot) exhibits big notes of chocolate fudge intermixed with dark berry fruit, forest floor, underbrush, and some smoky oak. The wine is full-bodied, with remarkable intensity, low acidity, and a fleshy, opulent mouthfeel.

Supple-textured and harmonious, with layers of ripe plum, currant, black licorice, cedar and cigar box that are evenly distributed. Rich and full-bodied without being heavy, this retains its focus and elegance, ending with a long, graceful finish and an espresso bean note. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot.

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