Peter Michael, Au Paradis, Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, 2021

From his very first visit to California in the 1970s Sir Peter Michael set about finding the perfect spot in which to make his mark on the vinous world. When he found the then-unplanted Sugarloaf Ranch in Knights Valley, he knew immediately that this was the spot and the first vintage was 1987. The rest, as they say, is history. By combining the classic winemaking of the old world and the complexity afforded by Californian Mountain terroir, the unparalleled winemaking team has been graced by some of the finest names in winemaking history. Helen Turley, Mark Aubert and brothers Luc and Nicolas Morlet have all worked at Peter Michael in the past and continue to consult in the present. Nowadays, winemaking is led by Robert Fiore. The estate is going from strength to strength, producing some of the finest wines red and white wines made in California.

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.

The 2021 Vintage

The winter was drier than average with the last rains coming in March followed by moderate weather during bloom which resulted in good fruit set but very small, concentrated berries. Overall, 2021 was a mild, steady growth without major heat spikes and only one day over 100F in August and September. The ideal weather continued through harvest which began the second week of September and concluded September 30th. It was a truly exceptional growing season.

The brilliant, dark ruby red 2021 ‘Au Paradis’ entices with a beguiling mix of dried rose petals, lilacs, violets, black currant, dark cherry, black plum, and raspberry. The silky entry leads to a burst of extremely fine-grained tannins and a broad, concentrated mid-palate melts into a harmonious, lengthy finish. The well-structured 2021 exhibits beautiful harmony, depth, and powerful elegance. This is a wine that promises to age gracefully for over twenty years.

98/100 - Vinous

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Au Paradis is sublime. Soaring aromatics meld into a core of dark red/purplish fruit in a Cabernet that captures the magic—all the essence—of this plateau in the eastern hillsides of Oakville. Cabernet Sauvignon (88%) is quite high in the blend this year, but what impresses most is the wine's dazzling balance and pedigree. What a knockout. This is one of the finest wines I have tasted from Peter Michael. - Antonio Galloni