2017 Peter Michael Cabernet Sauvignon Les Pavots Knights Valley (1.5 L) Magnum

In 1975, a taste of Chateau Montelena’s iconic Chardonnay inspired Sir Peter Michael to go on a quest to make Bordeaux and Burgundy-style wines in California. After a six-year search for the perfect piece of property, Sir Peter found his land—and four decades later, Peter Michael Winery stands as one of the most admired wineries anywhere on Earth.

Situated in Knights Valley, Sonoma County, on a 630-acre property that rises from the valley floor to 2,000 feet of elevation, the winery includes some of the most favorable conditions for both Bordeaux and Burgundy varieties. The wines are some of the most inspired and cellar-worthy in the New World—they’ve been served at The White House, earned ten 100-point scores from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, and taken the #1 spot in Wine Spectator’s Top 100.

A Left Bank-style red built on 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 97-point 2017 Les Pavots is a proud rendition of Peter Michael’s iconic red. Grown in rocky, perfectly drained volcanic soils on the slopes of Mount St. Helena (which range from 900 to 1,400 feet of elevation), it’s a picture of California depth with Bordeaux-inspired elegance: Aromas of blueberry pie are wrapped with vanilla, espresso, and bay, and a broad palate is awash in chocolate and mineral-rich graphite. It all rests on a firm layer of silky tannins—and the 1.5L bottle size will make this cellar-worthy red age even more gracefully.