Peter Michael Winery – Les Pavots 1997 – Napa Valley, California
Cost: $110/bottle
Rainy Sunday, but there’s nothing like having a decent cabernet sauvignon with lunch. Peter Michael has a long reputation of producing fine cabernet, and the 1997 certainly lives up to its pedigree. Still exhibiting its youthful nose upon open with cherry, currants, and lead pencil, but this wine evolves in the glass after 20 minutes, showcasing a mature complex nose of suede, toast, and bittersweet chocolate. Moderately full bodied, silky on the mid-palate but with good fruit — with dusty tannins and just a touch of heat on the mouth, leaving a slight cherry/menthol note. After living about 9 years in my wine cellar, this wine has been served — quite well, quite well indeed.
Rating: 92
Tags: CABERNET SAUVIGNON, CELLAR NOTES, WINE
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