-
98
/ 100
The Drinks Business -
98
/ 100
Vinous -
98
/ 100
The Wine Independent -
98
/ 100
James Suckling -
98
/ 100
The Wine Advocate
Red
Classification
Cabernet Sauvignon
Variety
2021
Vintage
750ml (Bottle)
Bottle Size
USA
Country
California, Napa County
Region
14.5%
Alcohol %
15 Plus Years
Cellaring
Scores
98 / 100"(Oakville Estate, Napa Valley; 88% Cabernet Sauvignon; 9% Cabernet Franc; 3% Merlot; 60% new oak for the same amount of time; 15.8% alcohol; tasted with Robert Fiore since 2020, the winemaker, over Zoom at the CVBG press tasting). Purchased in 2009. Elevation of 150-200 metres above the valley floor on the Eastern side of the Vaca Mountain range. Richer, fuller, more plump still and more ample in its frame, but with almost the same impact and intensity. Very relaxed and harmonious aromatically and that continues on the palate. Hyacinth, peony and iris – a slightly darker shades floral profile and, if anything, darker berry fruits too. Blueberries, brambles, mulberries being the most prominent notes; a little black cherry and damson too. Black tea. The small amount of Cabernet Franc goes a long way here. Intensity from the small and concentrated berries. Exceptional once again. A special wine. Dark chocolate, a little mocha. Gorgeous texturally. Quite sumptuous and ethereal. Deceptive as the tannic volume is significant but so soft is this texturally that you scarcely notice. - Colin Hay"
- The Drinks Business
98 / 100
"The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Au Paradis is sublime. Soaring aromatics meld into a core of dark red/purplish fruit in a Cabernet that captures the magic—all the essence—of this plateau in the eastern hillsides of Oakville. Cabernet Sauvignon (88%) is quite high in the blend this year, but what impresses most is the wine's dazzling balance and pedigree. What a knockout. This is one of the finest wines I have tasted from Peter Michael. - Antonio Galloni"
- Vinous
98 / 100
"The 2021 Au Paradis is deep garnet-purple in color. After a little swirling, notes of warm cassis, blackberry preserves, and juicy blueberries jump from the glass, followed by hints of cedar chest, violets, and cumin seed with wafts of anise and tar. The full-bodied palate slowly builds into a powerful crescendo of black fruit, floral, and earthy flavors, supported by super-firm yet beautifully ripe tannins and well-knit freshness, finishing long and layered. Very impressive! The blend is 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Merlot. 1,344 cases were made.Formerly known as Showket Vineyard before it was purchased and renamed by Peter Michael in 2009, Au Paradis Vineyard is composed of the red, rocky, volcanic soils common to parts of Pritchard Hill. This makes sense since it is in the Oakville foothills, below Continuum, and above Dalla Valle. Planted in 1984 and 2007, the varieties here are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown"
- The Wine Independent
98 / 100
"A rich and flavorful red with lots of blackberries, dark chocolate, iodine, orange peel, lemon zest, green tobacco and pine needles, Medium-bodied. Tannins are open and then turn fine and polished. Lovely length and consistency. 88% cabernet sauvignon, 9% cabernet franc and 3% merlot. Drink after 2028."
- James Suckling
98 / 100
"The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Au Paradis is blended with 9% Cabernet Franc and 3% Merlot, and its aromas unfold over several minutes in the glass. Blueberry liqueur and a well of cassis give way to bresaola, grilled meats, bitter chocolate, leather, thyme and sage before a singular crescendo of pure violet perfume. The palate offers a seamless structure defined by smooth, velvety tannins and freshness that highlights its floral top notes; highly concentrated, detailed fruit; herbal, savory and mineral flavors; and fantastic length. Its ripeness is expertly restrained, and this world-class Cabernet, poised for a slow arc of maturation, is a great candidate for the cellar. - Yohan Castaing"
- The Wine Advocate
Tasting Notes
In 1982, Sir Peter Michael and Lady Michael acquired 630 acres of volcanic ridges on Mount St. Helena in the Knights Valley. Inspired by the vineyards of Burgundy and Bordeaux, they created wines rooted in their terroir, designed to stand the test of time. Today, with the support of their son Paul and his wife, Peter Michael Winery remains true to its founding principles: high-altitude vineyards, classic winemaking, and limited production.
Grown in the heart of the Oakville AVA’s famed red dirt in Napa Valley, ‘Au Paradis’ is a wine that transports any wine lover, hence its celestial name, which translates as “In Heaven.” Planted in the foothills on the east side of the valley on a raised, gently sloping plateau, the Bordeaux varietals develop into a classic style with silky tannins and deep red fruit. Between 500 and 600 feet, 26 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot look down on the valley and across to the Mayacamas Mountains.
The brilliant and well-structured 2021 Au Paradis exhibits a beautiful harmony, depth and powerful elegance. This is a wine that promises to age gracefully for over twenty years.
Tasting Profile
- Light
- Full
- Low Tannin
- Tannic
- Sweet
- Dry
- Low Acidity
- High Acidity