PETER MICHAEL
KNIGHTS VALLEY, CALIFORNIA 2023
WHY BUY:
A rare dual allocation from one of California’s most tightly held estates. Access of this caliber is rarely extended, making this offering particularly exceptional. Two signature estate wines from Peter Michael Winery's home ranch in Sonoma's remote Knights Valley AVA — 2023 'La Carrière' Chardonnay and 2022 'Les Pavots' Cabernet Blend. Opportunities to acquire both wines together are exceedingly rare, and this allocation reflects the very essence of curated, insider access.
Together, they capture both the precision and power that define Peter Michael at its best.
2023 'La Carrière' Estate Chardonnay
A benchmark of mountain-grown Chardonnay, 'La Carrière' is highly coveted. Awarded 98 points, it represents the purity, precision, and quiet authority that define Peter Michael’s white wines. Naturally fermented and bottled unfiltered, it expresses a Burgundian sensibility with California radiance, refined, mineral-driven, and deeply composed.
2022 'Les Pavots' Estate Cabernet Blend
First produced in 1988, we are pleased to present the 96-point 'Les Pavots', the estate’s flagship Bordeaux-style blend. Structured yet graceful, this wine emphasizes harmony over power, layered, polished, and evocative of the Left Bank in its restraint and balance.
Offered in highly limited quantity.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING:
Critical acclaim underscores the rarity and quality of these selections.
2023 'La Carrière' Estate Chardonnay: Scoring 98 points, a distinction seldom achieved by white wines, James Suckling describes it as: 'A driving force of appetizing acidity powers this full-bodied, brilliant, elegant and intricate wine. It offers mineral and citrus flavors in equal measure ... Feels so focused, linear and alive.'
2022 'Les Pavots' Estate Cabernet Blend: Jeb Dunnuck awarded 96 points, noting a wine of 'considerable depth,' with 'plush tannins,' a 'light, chalky texture,' and a finish distinguished by richness and composure.
OUR TASTING NOTES:
2023 'La Carrière' Estate Chardonnay: An exquisite expression that redefines California Chardonnay. Aromatically lifted with white florals and stone fruit, it unfolds into vibrant citrus and a finely etched mineral core. Full yet weightless, it balances richness with remarkable precision. The finish is enduring, buoyed by mountain acidity that lends both persistence and vitality.
2022 'Les Pavots' Estate Cabernet Blend: A study in elegance and structure. Layers of black cherry, blackberry, and cassis are interwoven with subtle notes of dark chocolate, dried herbs, and tobacco leaf. Seamless in texture, the tannins are present yet unobtrusive, guiding the wine to a long, polished finish that speaks to both terroir and restraint.
THE STORY: Peter Michael Winery was born from an uncommon vision. In the late 1970s, Sir Peter Michael, a British entrepreneur in the technology sector, set out to craft wines equal to the great estates of Europe. After years of searching, he acquired 630 rugged acres on the western slopes of Mount Saint Helena in Knights Valley in 1982, land many deemed too steep and unforgiving to farm.
Guided by his founding principle, '100×100' (100% family-owned for 100 years), the estate has remained uncompromising in both ownership and philosophy. Over the decades, a lineage of esteemed winemakers, including Helen Turley, Mark Aubert, and Luc Morlet, helped shape its identity. Today, under the stewardship of Paul Michael and Emily Michael, with winemaker Robert Fiore, the wines continue to reflect meticulous farming, low yields, and a profound respect for site. Of the estate’s 750 acres, only a fraction is planted, preserving the surrounding wilderness and reinforcing a singular sense of place.
WHAT TO PAIR THEM WITH:
2023 'La Carrière' Estate Chardonnay: Ideally suited to refined, nuanced cuisine, roast chicken with morels, Dover sole meunière, or delicately spiced seafood preparations. Its precision invites thoughtful pairing.
2022 'Les Pavots' Estate Cabernet Blend: Best alongside richly composed dishes, aged ribeye, braised lamb, or deeply flavored preparations such as Moroccan tagine or grilled meats. Its balance allows it to complement rather than dominate.
FUN FACT: The vineyards at Peter Michael Winery are among the steepest in California, with slopes exceeding 40 percent grade, necessitating entirely manual farming, vine by vine.
OUR GUARANTEE: Every bottle is sourced directly from the estate, ensuring pristine provenance and impeccable condition upon arrival.
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Fall 2026. With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in KS, MI, NE, NY, OK & TN. See individual items for additional state exclusions. This offer will expire on Tuesday, June 16th, 2026.