Peter Michael - Au Paradis 2017
Price: $225.00
| Producer | Peter Michael |
| Country | United States |
| Region | California |
| Subregion | Napa Valley |
| Varietal | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Vintage | 2017 |
| Sku | 06144 |
Peter Michael Description
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 highlights, 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 mouth feel 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.
Blend: 76% Cabernet Sauvignon & 24% Cabernet Franc
Aged 18 months in 100% French oak barrels from select artisan coopers, 14.9%
Vinous Media: 95 Points
The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Au Paradis, from Peter Michael's parcel in the hills of Eastern Oakville, is one of the successes of this trying vintage. Red cherry jam, game, smoke, licorice, spice and incense all meld together effortlessly. This is an especially refined wine for a sector in Oakville that seems to lean more naturally towards power. The 2017 spent 18 months in Darnajou barrels, 50% new. I would prefer to cellar the 2017 for a few years, but if enjoyed young, several hours of aeration will do wonders. -- Antonio Galloni
Wine Spectator: 94 Points
Juicy and winey, with a terrific core of ripe blackberry and warmed cassis flavors, laced with licorice root, sage and loam notes. Drives nicely through the finish, showing a touch of polish along the edges as the fruit ripples along. Best from 2022 through 2037. 1,450 cases made. — JM
Wine Advocate: 94 Points
Composed of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon and 24% Cabernet Franc coming from Oakville AVA, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Au Paradis reveals a deep garnet-purple color and charges out of the gate with expressive notes of warm cassis, plum preserves and wild blueberries with hints chocolate mint, candied violets, black loam, truffles and charcuterie. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers bags of juicy fruit with great freshness and solid, ripe, grainy tannins, finishing with laudable purity. 1,450 cases were made
