![Peter Michael "Au Paradis" Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 (Oakville, Napa Valley, California) - [JS 99] [JD 97] [VM 97] [TWI 97] [WA 96] [WS 94]](http://artisan.wine/cdn/shop/products/peter-michael-au-paradis-cabernet-sauvignon_1800x1800_e1a480f9-59ad-4068-9efd-ff83c17d3b51_{width}x.jpg?v=1666130341)
Peter Michael "Au Paradis" Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
(Oakville, Napa Valley, California) - [JS 99] [JD 97] [VM 97] [TWI 97] [WA 96] [WS 94]
Regular price $250.00 Sale price $239.97 Save $10.03
About the Winery:
Founded by Sir Peter Michael in 1983 with a singular vision: to make wine in the terroir-driven tradition of Burgundy and Bordeaux, yet under the California sun and in California soil.
Grown in the heart of the Oakville AVA’s famed red dirt in Napa Valley, ‘Au Paradis’ is a wine that transports the drinker, 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 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.
Vintage Notes:
The 2019 growing season in Oakville started with a full water profile in the soil due to generous amounts of rain over the winter months. Moderate temperatures allowed for good fruit set and above-average yields. The growing season was long and warm, without significant heat spikes, ultimately resulting in wines with notable freshness and vibrancy.
Tasting Notes:
The 2019 ‘Au Paradis’ displays a deep ruby hue in the glass, with a brilliant, aromatic array of black cherry, cassis, blackberry compote, and violets, accented with hints of graphite, cinnamon, and dark chocolate. On the palate, the round, mouth-filling entry showcases high-quality, fine-grained tannins with black tea and cocoa powder notes before giving way to a broad, structured, multilayered midpalate and resolving into a seamlessly elegant finish with great length. This classic ‘Au Paradis’ combines elegance with power. Approachable even in its youth, it will improve with five years to two decades of cellaring.
Technical Information
Hand-harvested: October 4–October 22Blend: 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Cabernet Franc, 8% Merlot
Aged: 18 months in 100% French oak barrels from select artisan coopers
Bottled Unfiltered: May 13, 2021
Alcohol: 14.6%
Release Date: September 1, 2022
Ratings & Reviews
99 Points - James Suckling:"Aromas of spice, ink, blackberries and currants. Very aromatic! Full-bodied, yet so tight and fresh with firm, velvety tannins. The beautiful center-palate of fruit is so enticing and the finish goes on for minutes. Coolness at the end with blue fruit. Stunning really. Give it time, if you can keep your hands off it. 76% cabernet sauvignon, 16% cabernet franc, and 8% merlot. Best after 2025." (Jan 2022)
97 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"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. Drink 2024-2044." - Audrey Frick (Aug 2022)
97 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Au Paradis is elite. Bright and aromatic, with terrific delineation, the 2019 is a fabulous yet embryonic wine that just needs time to flesh out. The energy and drive here are remarkable, as is the expression of this vineyard in the Eastern Hills of Oakville. Dark red/purplish fruit, spice, lavender, sage, mint and rose petals lend quite a but of nuance. In a vintage in which so many wines are all about immediacy and overtness, Au Paradis is a wine for the future." - Antonio Galloni (Jan 2022)
97 Points - The Wine Independent:
"The 2019 Au Paradis is deep garnet-purple in color. It sashays out with flamboyant scents of redcurrant preserves, warm cassis, and fresh blackberries, with wafts of cedar, dried mint, and tar plus a hint of iron ore. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers bright, energetic, black and red fruit with loads of earthy sparks and ripe, grainy tannins, finishing with great length and vibrancy. Some of the plantings at this vineyard date back to 1984." - LPB (6/1/22)
96 Points - Wine Advocate:
"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." - Joe Czerwinski (31 May 2022)
94 Points - Wine Spectator:
"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. Best from 2023 through 2036. 1,917 cases made."