L'Esprit des Pavots 2019

Producer history

Peter Michael Winery was founded by Sir Peter Michael, a British engineer and entrepreneur (born 1938) who built his wealth through technology and engineering ventures, including Micro Consultants Group, Quantel, and Cosworth Engineering, and who also founded the UK's Classic FM radio station; he was knighted in 1989 for his business and technology achievements, unrelated to winemaking. After a multi-year search for land, he and Lady Michael purchased roughly 630 acres of volcanic ridge land on Mount Saint Helena in Knights Valley in 1982, and established the winery in 1987, with the estate winery building completed in 1989. The founding vision, sometimes described as a '100 x 100' commitment, was for full family ownership sustained over a hundred-year horizon, with vineyard terroir prioritized over stylistic intervention and wines built for elegance rather than sheer power. The winery remains family-owned.

Signature pairings

• Herb-crusted rack of lamb — A Cabernet-Franc-inflected Bordeaux blend with herbal, savory undertones pairs naturally with lamb's richness and herb seasoning, a classic match for this style of blend.
• Grilled duck breast — Duck's fat and slightly gamey richness suit the wine's dark fruit and moderate tannin, and the more approachable structure (versus the flagship Les Pavots) means it won't overpower the dish.
• Grilled pork skewers (หมูปิ้ง) — This is a mildly seasoned, caramelized grilled dish rather than a chile-forward one, so its char and savory-sweet marinade complement the wine's fruit and tannin without the capsaicin clash a spicier Thai dish would create.