Mountain vineyards, classical winemaking, and limited production are the hallmarks of Peter Michael Winery, located on a square mile of rocky volcanic ridges that form the western face of Mount St. Helena in Sonoma County.The 2009 L'Esprit des Pavots (47% Cabernet Franc, 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, 2% Merlot) is spectacularly rich and intense with all the classic elements which characterize Les Pavots terroir: blueberry, vanilla bean, coffee, cacao bean, cedar, black currant, blackberry, blueberry and subtle notes of grey pepper. The property's younger vines contribute brighter fruit such as strawberry, black cherry and plum liqueur in addition to a touch of red pepper, which add to the wine's complex bouquet. The palate is rich, concentrated and full-bodied exhibiting abundant, youthful, yet supple tannins and a refined lingering finish. Fruit forward and enjoyable at release, this wine should age well for a decade. The 2010 Ma Belle-Fille Chardonnay is exceptionally intense, boasting aromas of nectarine, ripe peach, tangerine blossom, dried apricot, and golden apple accented with wet stone-like minerality, brioche and peony flower notes. Generous on the palate, rich and concentrated, the wine displays deep flavors of William pear, honey, dried almond, meringue, dry chamomile, and orange rind, and notes of baked Reinette apple. In the mouth, the wine is tactile, gourmand and extremely pure. Layered and seductive, the finish is very long.