Peter Michael
About Peter Michael
Sir Peter Michael is an Englishman in California - in Knights Valley, Sonoma County to be precise. Formerly an engineer from the UK, Sir Peter founded his eponymous winery, Peter Michael Winery in 1983, from where it has grown a reputation as one of California’s finest estates.
“There's nothing that this winery does that is not admirable. Consider that they work with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon as well as Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, they produce world-class wines from all of these varietals, and they do it from Knight's Valley and the Sonoma Coast.” – Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
As with so many of the top wines made in California, these cuvées are made in limited quantities so fans of the USA’s finest wines will need to act quickly in order to secure.
- Cabernet Sauvignon Au Paradis 2018: 2,171 cases
- Les Pavots Proprietary Red 2018: 3,255 cases
- L'Esprit des Pavots 2018: 1,707 cases
- Sauvignon L'Apres Midi 2018: 2,939 cases

Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
California | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£1,394.69 |
|||||
|
California | 1 | 98+ (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£1,095.91 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (98+)The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Au Paradis is blended with 9% Cabernet Franc and 3% Merlot, and its aromas unfold over several minutes in the glass. Blueberry liqueur and a well of cassis give way to bresaola, grilled meats, bitter chocolate, leather, thyme and sage before a singular crescendo of pure violet perfume. The palate offers a seamless structure defined by smooth, velvety tannins and freshness that highlights its floral top notes; highly concentrated, detailed fruit; herbal, savory and mineral flavors; and fantastic length. Its ripeness is expertly restrained, and this world-class Cabernet, poised for a slow arc of maturation, is a great candidate for the cellar. 1,344 cases were made, and the Au Paradis will be released in July of 2024. |
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|
California | 1 | 93 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£164.65 |
|||||
Vinous (93)The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon L'Esprit des Pavots is a blend taken from both Les Pavots in Knights Valley and Au Paradis in Oakville. Bright acids and lifted floral notes give this mid-weight Bordeaux blend energy and a real sense of precision. Red cherry fruit, mocha, spice, licorice and cedar add nuance throughout. Here, too, production is down sharply (1,200 cases versus 1,800, which is more typical), but the wine is just compelling. |
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|
California | 5 | 94 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£2,345.71 |
|||||
Vinous (94)(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. |
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|
California | 1 | 94 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£1,118.70 |
|||||
Vinous (94)(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. |
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|
California | 1 | 94 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£2,321.09 |
|||||
Vinous (94)(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. |
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|
California | 1 | 94 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£2,918.98 |
|||||
Vinous (94)(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. |
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|
California | 1 | 94 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£2,497.78 |
|||||
Vinous (94)Glass-staining ruby. Alluring aromas of red- and blackcurrant, cherry compote, incense and pipe tobacco. Lush and creamy on entry, then firmer in the middle, offering sweet dark fruit flavors complicated by notes of candied rose, licorice and smoky herbs. Supple and palate-staining wine with superb finishing clarity and lingering sweetness. |
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|
California | 2 | 96 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£2,344.18 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (96)The 2009 Les Pavots, a 3,440-case blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot, comes from Knights Valley. It exhibits a distinctive truffle, chocolate, blackberry and cassis-scented bouquet, a full-bodied mouthfeel, and fabulous concentration, purity and density. This magnificent effort’s open-knit style was surprising as most Northern California 2009s made from Bordeaux varietals are somewhat austere and closed at present. This wine should drink well for another two decades or more. |
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|
California | 2 | 96 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£2,855.38 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (96)The 2009 Les Pavots, a 3,440-case blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot, comes from Knights Valley. It exhibits a distinctive truffle, chocolate, blackberry and cassis-scented bouquet, a full-bodied mouthfeel, and fabulous concentration, purity and density. This magnificent effort’s open-knit style was surprising as most Northern California 2009s made from Bordeaux varietals are somewhat austere and closed at present. This wine should drink well for another two decades or more. |
|||||||||
|
California | 1 | 92 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£1,578.58 |
|||||
Vinous (92)(73% cabernet sauvignon, 14% cabernet franc, 10% merlot and 3% petit verdot): Opaque ruby. Smoky, deeply pitched aromas of cassis, blueberry and dark chocolate, with a hint of truffle adding a musky, earthy nuance. In a substantial style for the vintage, offering sweet dark fruit preserve flavors and a touch of candied licorice. Tangy acidity adds lift to the round, gently tannic, persistent finish, with the blue fruit note echoing. |
|||||||||
|
California | 1 | 97 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£1,834.18 |
|||||
James Suckling (97)Love the sweet berries, black olives, tile and fresh herbs on the nose with floral undertones. Oyster shell, too. Full-bodied with round, creamy tannins that are beautifully polished and refined. Very long finish. All about finesse and wonderful length. 68% cabernet sauvignon, 19% cabernet franc, 10% merlot and 3% petit verdot. Drink after 2023. |
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|
California | 1 | 99 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£245.60 |
|||||
James Suckling (99)This is very perfumed with blackberry and pine-cone aromas, as well as raspberries and black cherries. Full-bodied with firm, velvety tannins that are tight-grained. Creamy and beautiful. Currant and graphite flavors come through. Lightly chewy at the end. 60% cabernet sauvignon, 21% merlot, 14% cabernet franc and 5% petit verdot. Drink after 2025. |
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|
California | 2 | 99 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£1,110.04 |
|||||
James Suckling (99)This is very perfumed with blackberry and pine-cone aromas, as well as raspberries and black cherries. Full-bodied with firm, velvety tannins that are tight-grained. Creamy and beautiful. Currant and graphite flavors come through. Lightly chewy at the end. 60% cabernet sauvignon, 21% merlot, 14% cabernet franc and 5% petit verdot. Drink after 2025. |
|||||||||
|
California | 1 | 95 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£164.65 |
|||||
Vinous (95)The 2018 Chardonnay Ma Belle-Fille is dense, powerful and tightly wound. I would give it a few years to come together. Ripe apricot, orange confit, baked apple tart and wild flowers infuse the 2018 with notable complexity to match its dense, packed personality. |
|||||||||
|
California | 1 | 95 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£760.45 |
|||||
James Suckling (95)Very attractive aromas of dried apricot, citrus rind and cooked apple follow through to a full body with a creamy, layered palate that shows tension and intensity. Really enjoy the phenolic focus and length. Almost chewy. like a red wine. Just a hint of dried peach and nuts at the end. Drink now or hold. Maybe even decant. |
|||||||||
|
California | 5 | 94+ (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£204.25 |
|||||
Vinous (94+)The 2009 Pinot Noir Ma Danseuse PMW Estate bursts from the glass with heady scents of dark cherries, baking spices and flowers. This is a more immediate, open style than the Caprice. Layers of expressive, perfumed fruit caress the palate in this flashy, totally gorgeous Pinot. The clones originate from two of the most famous vineyards in the Cote de Nuits. |
|||||||||
|
California | 1 | 96 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£191.05 |
|||||
Vinous (96)The 2017 Pinot Noir Ma Danseuse is laced with sweet dark cherry, plum, spice, leather, tobacco, menthol and lavender that add to the wine's strong, brooding personality. Ample and virile in feel, Ma Danseus shows the more potent side of the Sonoma Coast to great effect. The 2017 is presently quite tannic, but another few years in bottle should do the trick. |
|||||||||
|
California | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£164.65 |
|||||
Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
California | 1 | - |
In Bond
£1,143.00 |
|||||
|
California | 1 | 98+ (WA) |
In Bond
£893.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (98+)The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Au Paradis is blended with 9% Cabernet Franc and 3% Merlot, and its aromas unfold over several minutes in the glass. Blueberry liqueur and a well of cassis give way to bresaola, grilled meats, bitter chocolate, leather, thyme and sage before a singular crescendo of pure violet perfume. The palate offers a seamless structure defined by smooth, velvety tannins and freshness that highlights its floral top notes; highly concentrated, detailed fruit; herbal, savory and mineral flavors; and fantastic length. Its ripeness is expertly restrained, and this world-class Cabernet, poised for a slow arc of maturation, is a great candidate for the cellar. 1,344 cases were made, and the Au Paradis will be released in July of 2024. |
|||||||||
|
California | 1 | 93 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£160.80 |
|||||
Vinous (93)The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon L'Esprit des Pavots is a blend taken from both Les Pavots in Knights Valley and Au Paradis in Oakville. Bright acids and lifted floral notes give this mid-weight Bordeaux blend energy and a real sense of precision. Red cherry fruit, mocha, spice, licorice and cedar add nuance throughout. Here, too, production is down sharply (1,200 cases versus 1,800, which is more typical), but the wine is just compelling. |
|||||||||
|
California | 5 | 94 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£2,298.00 |
|||||
Vinous (94)(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. |
|||||||||
|
California | 1 | 94 (VN) |
In Bond
£919.00 |
|||||
Vinous (94)(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. |
|||||||||
|
California | 1 | 94 (VN) |
In Bond
£1,915.00 |
|||||
Vinous (94)(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. |
|||||||||
|
California | 1 | 94 (VN) |
In Bond
£2,394.00 |
|||||
Vinous (94)(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. |
|||||||||
|
California | 1 | 94 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£2,451.60 |
|||||
Vinous (94)Glass-staining ruby. Alluring aromas of red- and blackcurrant, cherry compote, incense and pipe tobacco. Lush and creamy on entry, then firmer in the middle, offering sweet dark fruit flavors complicated by notes of candied rose, licorice and smoky herbs. Supple and palate-staining wine with superb finishing clarity and lingering sweetness. |
|||||||||
|
California | 2 | 96 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£2,298.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (96)The 2009 Les Pavots, a 3,440-case blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot, comes from Knights Valley. It exhibits a distinctive truffle, chocolate, blackberry and cassis-scented bouquet, a full-bodied mouthfeel, and fabulous concentration, purity and density. This magnificent effort’s open-knit style was surprising as most Northern California 2009s made from Bordeaux varietals are somewhat austere and closed at present. This wine should drink well for another two decades or more. |
|||||||||
|
California | 2 | 96 (WA) |
In Bond
£2,341.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (96)The 2009 Les Pavots, a 3,440-case blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot, comes from Knights Valley. It exhibits a distinctive truffle, chocolate, blackberry and cassis-scented bouquet, a full-bodied mouthfeel, and fabulous concentration, purity and density. This magnificent effort’s open-knit style was surprising as most Northern California 2009s made from Bordeaux varietals are somewhat austere and closed at present. This wine should drink well for another two decades or more. |
|||||||||
|
California | 1 | 92 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£1,532.40 |
|||||
Vinous (92)(73% cabernet sauvignon, 14% cabernet franc, 10% merlot and 3% petit verdot): Opaque ruby. Smoky, deeply pitched aromas of cassis, blueberry and dark chocolate, with a hint of truffle adding a musky, earthy nuance. In a substantial style for the vintage, offering sweet dark fruit preserve flavors and a touch of candied licorice. Tangy acidity adds lift to the round, gently tannic, persistent finish, with the blue fruit note echoing. |
|||||||||
|
California | 1 | 97 (JS) |
In Bond
£1,490.00 |
|||||
James Suckling (97)Love the sweet berries, black olives, tile and fresh herbs on the nose with floral undertones. Oyster shell, too. Full-bodied with round, creamy tannins that are beautifully polished and refined. Very long finish. All about finesse and wonderful length. 68% cabernet sauvignon, 19% cabernet franc, 10% merlot and 3% petit verdot. Drink after 2023. |
|||||||||
|
California | 1 | 99 (JS) |
In Bond
£202.00 |
|||||
James Suckling (99)This is very perfumed with blackberry and pine-cone aromas, as well as raspberries and black cherries. Full-bodied with firm, velvety tannins that are tight-grained. Creamy and beautiful. Currant and graphite flavors come through. Lightly chewy at the end. 60% cabernet sauvignon, 21% merlot, 14% cabernet franc and 5% petit verdot. Drink after 2025. |
|||||||||
|
California | 2 | 99 (JS) |
In Bond
£909.00 |
|||||
James Suckling (99)This is very perfumed with blackberry and pine-cone aromas, as well as raspberries and black cherries. Full-bodied with firm, velvety tannins that are tight-grained. Creamy and beautiful. Currant and graphite flavors come through. Lightly chewy at the end. 60% cabernet sauvignon, 21% merlot, 14% cabernet franc and 5% petit verdot. Drink after 2025. |
|||||||||
|
California | 1 | 95 (VN) |
In Bond
£134.00 |
|||||
Vinous (95)The 2018 Chardonnay Ma Belle-Fille is dense, powerful and tightly wound. I would give it a few years to come together. Ripe apricot, orange confit, baked apple tart and wild flowers infuse the 2018 with notable complexity to match its dense, packed personality. |
|||||||||
|
California | 1 | 95 (JS) |
In Bond
£596.00 |
|||||
James Suckling (95)Very attractive aromas of dried apricot, citrus rind and cooked apple follow through to a full body with a creamy, layered palate that shows tension and intensity. Really enjoy the phenolic focus and length. Almost chewy. like a red wine. Just a hint of dried peach and nuts at the end. Drink now or hold. Maybe even decant. |
|||||||||
|
California | 5 | 94+ (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£200.40 |
|||||
Vinous (94+)The 2009 Pinot Noir Ma Danseuse PMW Estate bursts from the glass with heady scents of dark cherries, baking spices and flowers. This is a more immediate, open style than the Caprice. Layers of expressive, perfumed fruit caress the palate in this flashy, totally gorgeous Pinot. The clones originate from two of the most famous vineyards in the Cote de Nuits. |
|||||||||
|
California | 1 | 96 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£187.20 |
|||||
Vinous (96)The 2017 Pinot Noir Ma Danseuse is laced with sweet dark cherry, plum, spice, leather, tobacco, menthol and lavender that add to the wine's strong, brooding personality. Ample and virile in feel, Ma Danseus shows the more potent side of the Sonoma Coast to great effect. The 2017 is presently quite tannic, but another few years in bottle should do the trick. |
|||||||||
|
California | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£160.80 |
|||||