Peter Michael 'Le Caprice' Pinot Noir 2021

Critical Acclaim: Robert Parker 97pts; Jeb Dunnuck 96 pts.

About the Wine: Situated over 1,000 feet above sea level on steep mountain slopes, some exceeding 50 percent in grade, the vineyard site faces east and northeast. It benefits from both the cooling influence of the Pacific Ocean, just on the other side of the coastal ridge, and the mild, sunny mountain climate. The soil of the vineyard is a composite of clay, silt, and volcanic gravels, which produces a wine with polished tannins, body, and a hint of graphite minerality. Le Caprice presents the most fruit-driven style among the trio of estate Pinot Noirs.

Winemaker’s Tasting Notes: The lovely, deep garnet 2021 ‘Le Caprice’ offers a stunning array of blackberry, ripe raspberry, violets, and black cherry in an exuberantly expressive nose. The refreshingly fruit-driven palate delivers a smooth, seamless texture and plush  mouthfeel supported by sandalwood and black truffle notes. Delicious to enjoy now, the 2021 ‘Le Caprice’ will reward two to ten years of cellaring

"The 2021 Pinot Noir Le Caprice pours a deep ruby and offers loads of spiced aromas of woodsy earth, cinnamon, and red cherry. Medium-bodied, with good concentration and ripe fruit that fills the palate with notes of red plum, baking spices, and pine, it’s a clean red with fine tannins, good richness, and purity, and its finish reveals a floral component of roses, ripe wild raspberry, and fresh herbs. Drink 2025-2037."- Jeb Dunnuck

"Made from destemmed grapes and matured in 40% to 50% new French oak, it has a medium ruby-purple in color and inviting scents of red cherry, cranberry sauce, cinnamon, rose petal and potpourri, offering new aromatic nuances with each return to the glass. The medium-bodied palate is silky and seamless with concentrated, spicy red fruit and a long, latent finish. It will need another 3-5 years in bottle to continue its development and show at its best. 1,083 cases were made." - Robert Parker

Hand-harvested: September 13 to September 27 Vinification: 100% naturally fermented using native yeast Aging: Aged sixteen months in 50% new French oak barrels from select artisan coopers Bottled unfined and unfiltered: February 9, 2023 Alcohol: 14.9%.

Varietal: Pinot Noir.