Nose
The fruit of younger vines brings additional aromas of black cherry, black currant, plum, leather, tobacco and gray and white pepper to the complex bouquet.
Palate
Generiously rich and intense, the 2014 L’Esprit des Pavots displays all the features which characterize the Les Pavots terroir: blueberry, vanilla bean, licorice, chocolate, cedar and coffee.The palate is full-bodied, and concentrated, exhibiting savory elements and abundant, supple tannins with a lingering finish.
Harvest
The winter rainfall was 70% of normal, continuing three years of drought. Unseasonably warm temperatures in early spring accelerated bud break by four weeks, then bloom through veraison benefited from moderate temperatures. Early use of drip irrigation was critical for the health of the vines. Meticulous canopy management and substantial crop thinning brought the vines into balance. Ideal Indian summer conditions allowed us to calmly harvest each block as it achieved optimal ripeness. Yields were higher than average, but due to dehydration the skins and pulps of the berries were thicker than normal, resulting in low juice yields at the press, and exceptional concentration in the wines.
Bottling
Bottled unfined and unfiltered May 18, 2016.
Aging
Aged 18 months in 100% French oak barrels from artisan coopers.
