Price: $245
Time: 12:30 - 1:45 pm
Speaker: Robert Fiore, Winemaker
Co-Host:  Jonathan Cristaldi, Decanter Napa Valley correspondent 

Peter Michael Winery is one of the most highly regarded producers in California, making terroir-driven, limited-production wines in a ‘California classic’ style. Robert Fiore, winemaker at Peter Michael since 2020, is also a geophysicist.

In this masterclass, he will guide tasters through several vintages of two wines: ‘L’Après-Midi’, a Sauvignon Blanc/Sémillon blend, and the Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated ‘Les Pavots’, both of which come from the same single vineyard. Tasters will come to understand how terroir translates into taste in these two Bordeaux-inspired wines.

A must for anyone who appreciates California classics at their best.

• Peter Michael, L’Après-Midi Sauvignon Blanc, Knights Valley, California, USA 2010
• Peter Michael, L’Après-Midi Sauvignon Blanc, Knights Valley, California, USA 2016
• Peter Michael L’Après-Midi Sauvignon Blanc, Knights Valley, California, USA 2021
• Peter Michael, Les Pavots, Knights Valley, California, USA 2006 (Magnum)
• Peter Michael, Les Pavots, Knights Valley, California, USA 2009 (Magnum)
• Peter Michael, Les Pavots, Knights Valley, California, USA 2012 (Magnum)
• Peter Michael, Les Pavots, Knights Valley, California, USA 2016
• Peter Michael, Les Pavots, Knights Valley, California, USA 2021

Robert's journey began with a passion for geology, which led him to earn a Master of Science degree in Geological Sciences. As a professional geophysicist, he recalls, “I found myself investigating geologic basins and rock outcrops around the world.”

Alongside his studies, he developed a keen interest in wine, inspiring travels to explore wine regions worldwide. In 2001, Robert pursued his dream of studying Viticulture and Enology at UC Davis, where he stated, “The connection between wine and terroir became a fascination which I examined as part of my graduate studies.”

After gaining hands-on experience in Napa Valley and abroad, he joined Peter Michael Winery in 2020 as their winemaker. Now, alongside a seasoned team, Robert focuses on crafting terroir-driven wines from their estates in Knights Valley, Fort Ross-Seaview, and Oakville.

Jonathan Cristaldi is Decanter's Napa Valley correspondent. Based in California, he is a widely published writer on wine, spirits, beer, and food. His work has appeared in Food & Wine, First We Feast, Departures, The SOMM Journal, TheTasting Panel Magazine, Liquor.com, Seven Fifty Daily, Los Angeles Magazine, Thrillist, Tasting Table and Time Out LA, among others.

With a B.A. in Dramatic Studies from SUNY Purchase College, Cristaldi employs his playwriting and screenwriting skills on film and documentary projects with award-winning commercial director and photographer Rachid Dahnoun of RSM Creative.