Appropriately enough, Sir Peter Michael, an Englishman who made his name in electronics, established his vineyard in Sonoma County's Knights Valley. From the moment he purchased the property in 1982, Sir Michael has insisted upon an Old-World approach to New World wine. Terroir is paramount here, along with elegance in favor of overstatement. This philosophy has translated seamlessly to the wines, which have been among the New World's finest for years. Chardonnays from the steep slopes of Mount Saint Helena feature wonderfully deep, layered flavors and outstanding clarity and verve. We've personally mistaken them for top white Burgundies in blind tastings. Further down the mountain, the Les Pavots Vineyard produces Bordeaux varietals for the eponymous blend, and to the west, a recently purchased Sonoma Coast property is the site of high quality Pinot Noir