Peter Michael, "Au Paradis", Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, California, 2021

Overview of the Wine
In 1982 Sir Peter and Lady Margaret Michael built the Peter Michael Winery on a square mile of rocky volcanic ridges that form the western face of Mount St. Helena in Knights Valley, Sonoma County, California. The estate vineyards rest on steep hillsides ranging in elevation from 1100 to nearly 2000 feet. Of the nearly 600 estate acres, only about 20% are planted to grapes. Peter Michael Winery is best known for single-vineyard and estate grown Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and a Cabernet Sauvignon cuvee of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The Peter Michael Winery remains true to its commitment to growing classic grape varieties in small mountain vineyards in order to produce great wines using classical winemaking techniques. Given this covenant to the product, only a limited quantity will ever be available. 

Winemaker
Peter Michael

Grape / Blend
88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, 3% Merlot

Origin
Oakville, California

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
The brilliant, dark ruby red 2021 ‘Au Paradis’ entices with a beguiling mix of dried rose petals, lilacs, violets, black currant, dark cherry, black plum, and raspberry. The silky entry leads to a burst of extremely fine-grained tannins and a broad, concentrated mid-palate melts into a harmonious, lengthy finish. The well-structured 2021 exhibits beautiful harmony, depth, and powerful elegance. This is a wine that promises to age gracefully for over twenty years.

98 Points - Wine Advocate
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. 1,344 cases were made, and the Au Paradis will be released in July of 2024.

98 Points - Wine Independent
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.

98 Points - James Suckling
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.

98 Points - Vinous
The 2021 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 astern 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.

Product size: 750ml