Michael, Peter - Les Pavots Proprietary Red 2004

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "The 2004 Les Pavots is ripe and is a relatively similar blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The wine exhibits notes of forest floor intermixed with chocolate, blueberry, blackberry, espresso, and spice. It is strikingly more tannic, and closed compared to the 2005, which is almost the reverse of the vintage character. There were only 2,000 cases produced of the 2004, which needs 2-3 years of bottle age and should drink well for 15+ years."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Aromas of mint and bay leaf stand out amid the dark berry and cedar flavors. On the palate the tannins are raw, edgy and notably woody, yet this slowly comes together. Time may serve this well, as the fruit is fresh and the acidity lively. Best of three bottles.—2004 California Cabernet blind retrospective (August 2014). Drink now through 2025. 1,900 cases made."