Description
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 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. 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. Always a Cabernet Sauvignon-led blend, Au Paradis is raised in a classically Bordeaux style, spending 18 months in French oak before being bottled without finining or filtration.
2011 was characterised by a wet winter and spring followed by a long Indian summer providing just the heat needed for prolonged ripening. While quantity in 2011 was low, the vintage exhibits grace through bright fruit, good intensity and elegant structure. Deep, dense ruby color, the 2011 Au Paradis offers stunning notes of blackcurrant, black cherry, chocolate, licorice, cloves and cinnamon. In the mouth, the velvety texture is loaded with cassis, game, black cherry liqueur and plum eau-de-vie. Round, refined, complex, meaty with incredible length, the 2011 Au Paradis will continue to age gracefully for three decades or more.