Peter Michael - Au Paradis 2019
Price: $250.00
| Producer | Peter Michael |
| Country | United States |
| Region | Knights Valley |
| Varietal | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Vintage | 2019 |
| Sku | 09142 |
Peter Michael Description
The 2019 Au Paradis (o par-a-dee) is located in the heart of the Oakville AVA’s famed “red dirt” in Napa Valley, Au Paradis is situated exactly where its name translates, “In Heaven.” Planted in the foothills on the eastside of the valley’s raised, gently sloping plateau, the Bordeaux varietals develop into a classic style with silky tannins and deep red fruit.
Tasting Notes: The 2019 ‘Au Paradis’ appears near-black to ruby in color with perfumed aromas of red rose and distinct black currant and cassis. Equally, the flavor delivers dark fruit reminiscent of plum and crème de cassis aside bright and savory notes of raspberry, rose petal, and graphite. Well-rounded on the palate, showing refinement with complexity and the hallmark aromas and flavors characteristic of the acclaimed iron-rich, red dirt soils of Oakville. Approachable now, the wine will reward five years of cellaring and will continue to age gracefully for two decades or more.
Blend: 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc
Aged 18 months in 100% French oak barrels from selected artisan coopers. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Jeb Dunnuck: 97 Points
Hailing from Oakville, the 2019 Au Paradis is nuanced, with ripe redcurrant, fresh tobacco, and sweet baking spice. The palate is fully dry and has lift through its dark fruited profile. The midpalate is flush with roses and ripe red plum, giving way to a well-balanced, tannic structure.
Wine Advocate: 96 Points
In 2009, Peter Michael purchased the former Showket Vineyard in Oakville, on the hillside below Continuum and above Dalla Valle. That is the source for the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Au Paradis, a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Cabernet Franc and 8% Merlot. Matured in 60% new French oak, it's a fairly forward, opulent wine, marked by scents of cigar box, tobacco, cassis, cherries and fine leather. Full-bodied, rich and velvety without being chocolaty or overdone, the lingering finish is—texturally—plush winter-weight flannel pajamas interwoven with complex, faintly herbal threads.
Wine Spectator: 94 Points
Solidly built, with a core of steeped plum and black currant flavors rolled up in loam, sweet tobacco and menthol notes. The dark earth side tumbles with the fruit through the finish with youthful power, leaving a muscular impression now, though this should unfold steadily and gain more nuance in the cellar.
