Peter Michael Winery | winetogousa

Peter Michael Winery has reached the pinnacle of California wine. With remarkable consistency, it excels with many different grapes and vineyards. Since 1997, eight of its wines have earned spots on Wine Spectator‘s Top 100 lists, and three of those made the Top 10.

The winery’s flagship is the Cabernet blend Les Pavots, from the home estate in Knights Valley. This powerful, balanced red routinely earns classic ratings (95 points or higher on the Wine Spectator 100-point scale); as it ages, it takes on texture and aromatics reminiscent of a fine Bordeaux. Ma Belle-Fille and Mon Plaisir are equally impressive, and while revealing the influences of Burgundy they are true expressions of California Chardonnay. The winery also delivers outstanding Sauvignon Blancs and Pinot Noirs.

Along his path, Michael has worked with some of California’s top winemakers, including Helen Turley, Mark Aubert and current winemaker Nick Morlet (see “The Winemakers of Peter Michael Winery,” same issue). His winery brought new cachet to Sonoma County and helped introduce a new wave of California wines to Great Britain. Though Michael made his fortune as an entrepreneur in microelectronics and other media technology, wine has captured his heart.

“There’s not an Englishman of any consequence,” Michael maintains, “who does not want to produce a great claret.”

Behind the wheel of an SUV, Michael maneuvers up the steep roads of his Knights Valley vineyards. With him is Lady Michael, his wife of 52 years, who goes by Maggie to family and friends. Michael, known as Pete to his friends, has been Sir Peter since being knighted in 1989.