Peter Michael "Au Paradis" Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
(Oakville, Napa Valley, California) - [JD 97] [WA 96] [TWI 95] [JS 95] [VM 92] [WS 92]

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.

About this Wine:

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:

A drier than normal January and February were followed by a May with just enough rain and cool weather to influence fruit set and drive yields lower than normal at the Oakville Estate. Overall, 2020 was a cooler growing season punctuated by a series of heat spikes in August and September. Harvest began the second week of September and concluded on September 25.

Tasting Notes:

The ruby red 2020 ‘Au Paradis’ exhibits a complex floral and fruity nose of black currant, cassis, violets, black plum, and red raspberry. The wine showcases great structure with mouth-coating, velvety tannins in the late midpalate that resolve in a long, lingering finish. Black tea and dark chocolate accent this full-bodied, intense, well-structured edition of ‘Au Paradis.’

Technical Information
Harvested: September 9–September 25
Blend: 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc
Aged: Eighteen months in 100% French oak barrels from select artisan coopers
Bottled Unfiltered: May 11, 2022
Alcohol: 15.9%

Ratings & Reviews

97 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"Pouring an opaque red, the 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Au Paradis is lush and refined with aromas of cassis, espresso, violets, and sweet tobacco. Full-bodied, this refined profile continues on the palate, with a ripe, velvety texture, fine tannins, and notes of black cherry liqueur and mocha, as well as floral oils that last long on the palate without feeling heavy. Drink 2025-2045."  (Jul 2023)

96 Points - Wine Advocate:
"Blended with 3% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc, the 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Au Paradis comes from a vineyard in Oakville near Dalla Valle, around 500-600 feet in elevation. It has a deep ruby-purple color and opens slowly to warm black plums, graphite and grilled peppers with wafts of cedar, chocolate and soy. The full-bodied palate offers plenty of freshness to support its concentrated, ripe fruit. It boasts generous, powdery tannins, alluring floral tones and a long, layered finish. Ripe yet balanced, it's approachable right now. 1,401 cases were made, and it will be released in July of 2023." - EB (Feb 2023)

95 Points - The Wine Independent:
"The 2020 Au Paradis is a blend of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot, and 1% Cabernet Franc, harvested in the second week of September and finishing September 25. Deep garnet-purple in color, it comes bounding out with exuberant notes of creme de cassis, redcurrant jelly, and juicy blackberries with hints of camphor, dark chocolate, and tar plus a waft of bay leaves. The full-bodied palate is concentrated yet bright and expressive, with bags of black and red berry flavors and bright mineral accents, supported by fine-grained tannins, finishing long and lifted." - LPB (Jun 2023)

95 Points - James Suckling:
"This is a very refined and polished red, with redcurrant and spice, as well as black-pepper and flint undertones. It’s medium-bodied with refined tannins and a fresh, silky finish. All about finesse and polish. Drinkable now, but better after 2024." (Sep 2022)

92 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2020 Cabernet Saubignon Au Paradis is a powerful wine, its mid-weight structure notwithstanding. There's good depth to the ripe dark plum, blackberry and chocolate flavors. The aromatics aren't quite as focused as they usually are, but all things considered, this is a very good wine in a highly challenging year. About 40% of the wines were discarded, including much of the Franc, which is quite low in this vintage." - Antonio Galloni (Aug 2023)

92 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Forward, with a wave of crushed blueberry, açaí and blackberry fruit flavors that dominate the character, while touches of loam, licorice root and tobacco fill in on the broad, slightly grainy finish. Best from 2024 through 2034. 1,401 cases made." - JM (Nov 2023)