Michael, Peter - Les Pavots Proprietary Red 2015

JEB DUNNUCK: "The 2015 Les Pavots checks in as 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc, 15% Merlot and the balance Petit Verdot. It offers a huge nose of blackcurrants, blackberry, scorched earth, graphite, and cedarwood. Deep, rich, supple, and sexy, with a seamless, incredibly elegant texture, it builds with time in the glass and is a monumental Cabernet Sauvignon blend from Sonoma."

JAMES SUCKLING: "Intense aromas of plums, black truffles, bark and dark plums. Pine needles, too. Full-bodied, tight and polished. Extremely elegant and precise. The finish is very long and vertical. Compressed and refined. A beauty already. Drink in 2021 but already a joy to drink."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "Blended of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc, 15% Merlot and 7% Petit Verdot, the 2015 Les Pavots Proprietary Red Wine is scented of crème de cassis, blueberries and baking spices with hints of chocolate box, black earth and cigar box. Medium to full-bodied, the palate simply sings with black fruit preserves and spicy layers, supported by chewy tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long. 2,870 cases were made."

DECANTER: "2015 was a continuation of a four-year drought. Welcome rain arrived in May but it led to uneven fruit-set, resulting in a small crop. Heat during harvest pushed pick dates forward and the resulting wines had depth and concentration in small amounts. A great match for seared duck breast served with berry compote, crushed violets and steeped hibiscus leaves interact with a dose of red roses, dark chocolate and espresso. Bold tannins accompany the juicy and defined finish."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Remarkably complex and nuanced, with a firm mix of cedary oak and mocha notes and tight dark berry, anise, gravel and spice flavors, finishing long and persistent. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2021 through 2032. 2,870 cases made. — JL"