Description
From his very first visit to California in the 1970s Sir Peter Michael set about finding the perfect spot in which to make his mark on the vinous world. When he found the then-unplanted Sugarloaf Ranch in Knights Valley, he knew immediately that this was the spot and the first vintage was 1987. The rest, as they say, is history.
By combining the classic winemaking of the old world and the complexity afforded by Californian Mountain terroir, the unparalleled winemaking team has been graced by some of the finest names in winemaking history. Helen Turley, Mark Aubert and brothers Luc and Nicolas Morlet have all worked at Peter Michael in the past and continue to consult in the present. Nowadays, winemaking is led by Robert Fiore. The estate is going from strength to strength, producing some of the finest wines red and white wines made in California.
The first vineyard to be planted on the Knights Valley Estate, Les Pavots spans 46 acres and ascends to an elevation of nearly 1,400 feet. It supplies both the grapes for the Les Pavot's and also the excellent Sauvignon Blanc for l'Apres-Midi. The grapes were picked and sorted by hand, the whole cluster pressed and then naturally fermented in a barrel. No malolactic fermentation was conducted to preserve the fruity and zesty character of the Sauvignon Blanc. All lots were aged separately on their lees for nine months with gentle bâtonnage, then judiciously blended to compose the final cuvée.
The 2023 Vintage
Cooler weather and significant rains in December through March delayed budbreak until mid-April, nearly a month later than most years. Flowering and fruit set were similarly delayed until early June with very small clusters setting, resulting in a smaller crop than 2022. The growing season was temperate, without major heat events which allowed the berries to maintain a lively acidity as conditions were ideal for slow, even ripening of small, concentrated berries. The Sauvignon blanc harvest was a full month later than in 2022, beginning on September 21st and finishing October 13th while the Sémillon harvest stretched all the way to November 2nd.
A fanfare of passionfruit, apricot, pear, white peach, jasmine, white rose and lemon blossom announce the expressive nose of the 2023 ‘L’Après-Midi’. A lively entry with juicy acidity and a creamy mouthfeel leads to a highly concentrated, structured mid-palate. This Sauvignon Blanc possesses great body and drive with impressive length, all while exhibiting an effortless balance and level of refinement.