Peter Michael Winery

Cabernet Sauvignon 'Au Paradis'

Cabernet Sauvignon 'Au Paradis'

Cabernet Sauvignon Au Paradis Peter Michael

Vintage Notes

The 2017 growing season began with abundant rainfall, ending California’s long drought. Spring weather was cool, delaying bud-break slightly. Warmer weather in mid-May insured even blooming and an average-sized fruit set. Vines were vigorous thanks to the winter rains. Meticulous canopy management and fruit thinning brought the crop into optimal balance. Warmer than normal conditions after veraison accelerated ripening and required judicious irrigation to mitigate dehydration. As harvest approached, the return of cooler conditions allowed the fruit to gradually reach perfect ripeness. Picking was completed on September 29 with an average-sized crop, giving us a vintage of exceptional quality.

Winegrowing Notes

Located in the heart of the Oakville AVA’s famed ‘red dirt’ in Napa Valley, Au Paradis is exactly where its name translates, ‘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. The slope and hillside location provide ideal sun exposure during the day and help develop the lush, intense fruit one would expect from such a magnificent property.

Winemaker’s Tasting Notes

With a near-black ruby color and violet high- lights, 2017 Au Paradis is packed with aromas of black currant and crème de cassis with meaty nuances and touches of plum brandy, vanilla, allspice, and red rose. The flavors mirror the nose with juicy black currant and additional notes of fresh leather, black olive, framed with plentiful, but fine-grained tannins with iron-like background minerality. The mouthfeel is round, refined, and complex with an incredible length of finish. Approachable now, the wine will reward five years of cellaring and will continue to age gracefully for two decades or more.

Wine Information

  • Appellation: Oakville, Napa County Harvested: September 20 – 29, 2017
  • Blend: 76% Cabernet Sauvignon & 24% Cabernet Franc
  • Aged 18 months in 100% French oak barrels from select artisan coopers
  • Bottled unfined and unfiltered May 20, 2019 Alcohol: 14.9%
  • Release: September 1, 2020

Info

Vintage:
2018
Country:
United States
Region:
California
Appellation:
Napa
Variety:
Cabernet Sauvignon
Color:
Red
Farming Practice:
Sustainable

Sizes Available

Full Bottle US-PMW-42-18 12/750ml

Press & Reviews

James Suckling
Score
98
Date
2022-02-03
Vinous
Score
96
Date
2022-01-07

REVIEWS FROM PAST VINTAGES