2014 & 2016 Peter Michael "Au Paradis" Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

“Extremely perfumed with iron, clay and currant character. Copper pennies and hints of steak. Then this turns to flowers, iodine and oyster shells. Full body that's juicy and defined by hefty blackcurrant flavors and real meatiness. Dark-chocolate and orange-peel undertones. Extremely long and flavorful. About three-fourths Cabernet Sauvignon with the rest being Cabernet Franc.” (01/2017)

“2014 saw an accelerated bud-break due to the warm spring temperatures. Continuing warmth with no heat spikes produced grapes with thick skins, resulting in a higher tannic structure in this wine. Perfect for a 45-day dry-aged rib-eye steak grilled on cherry wood, this has aromas of crushed violets layered between dried cherries, juicy plum and dried herbs. It's full of tension and stamina, and is driven by its mouthwatering profile. (ED)” (03/2019)

“One of the many highlights in this range, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Au Paradis is simply fabulous. Mocha, smoke, espresso, chocolate and racy new oak wrap around a plush core of dark fruit in a Cabernet of arresting beauty and total allure. The 2014 has an explosive energy that balances some of its more flamboyant leanings to great effect. This is a stellar showing from Peter Michael. (AG)” (07/2018)

“Their newest vineyard acquisition in Oakville has produced the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Au Paradis, which used to be the Showket Vineyard on the red soils of the Oakville corridor near Dalla Valle, Rudd and Screaming Eagle. Aged in 100% Darnajou casks, this cuvée of 2,300 cases is a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon and 24% Cabernet Franc. Pauillac-like in a somewhat Lynch-Bages style, this meaty, fleshy wine has plenty of crème de cassis, licorice, cedar wood and forest floor. It is full-bodied, opulent, and a beautiful example of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon that should drink well for 25-30 years. (RP)” (10/2016)

“Though intense and assertive, there's a charming suppleness to the texture, letting the flavors of dark berry, anise, baking spices and mocha glide along. Most impressive for the intensity and persistence on the finish. (JL)” (11/2017)

“The 2016 Au Paradis is borderline perfection in a glass and shows the incredible quality both of this estate and the vintage. Tons of blackcurrants, smoked tobacco, savory spice, dried earth, and graphite notes all emerge from this full-bodied, structured, concentrated effort that reminds me of a First Growth Pauillac. With building tannins and incredible purity of fruit, it’s going to benefit from 4-5 years of bottle and keep for three decades.” (06/2019)

“Loads of blackberries, blackcurrants, pine needles, lavender, meat and hints of fresh sage. Full bodied and layered with fine tannins. So polished and beautiful. I love the polish, the gorgeous sensibility and length. Refreshing and bright. I have enjoyed tasting it and pondering its greatness. Try to drink after 2023.” (02/2019)

“The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Au Paradis is a compelling wine that captures the essence of what makes the Eastern Hills of Oakville such a hallowed ground. Cabernet Franc-infused aromatics add striking nuance and freshness to the black cherry, raspberry coulis, mocha, leather and smoke flavors. Dense, powerful and explosive, with tremendous resonance in all directions, the 2016 Au Paradis is superb. (AG)” (05/2019)

“An almost textbook Napa Valley vintage, 2016 experienced a warm start with an early bud-break, while a cooler than average yet steady warmth made for a controlled harvest. Best paired with venison stew served over jasmine rice, wild raspberry and red rose aromas dominate, accompanied on the palate by notes of freshly turned soil, macerated cherry and a sweet core complemented by generous tannins and a lengthy finish. (ED)” (03/2019)

“The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Au Paradis is a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon and 24% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple colored, it offers up gregarious notions of warm redcurrants, black cherries and cassis with nuances of violets, wild sage, cast iron pan, wood smoke, charcuterie and cloves. The palate is medium to full-bodied, with firm, very ripe, grainy tannins, wonderful freshness and elegance and a long mineral-tinged finish. 1,740 cases produced, to be released in autumn 2019. (LPB) 94+” (10/2018)

“Alluring sage and anise notes lead off, giving way to gently steeped plum and blackberry fruit flavors. Baker's chocolate, loam and tobacco details emerge through the finish, adding range and depth. (JM)” (10/2019)