2019 Au Paradis Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tasting notes
76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Cabernet Franc, 8% Merlot. Vine s were originally planted in 2004 on red, iron-rich clay, silt and sand but this particular vineyard was acquired in 2009. Unfiltered. Sir Peter Michael told us the long story of the estate, which he paid $1 m illion for ‘but that was just the start, and climate change has brought insect and pest challenges’ . Total annual production of Peter Michael wines is no more than 22,000 cases. Deep crimson. Heady nose promises quite a bit of alcohol. Very nicely balanced with a hint of milk chocolate. Quite sweet but well put together. Much sweeter than, for example, Dall a Valle. Not that intense on the end. Just a bit too sweet for me. But it’s certainly impressive. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Tom Parker MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Cabernet Franc, 8% Merlot. Dark cassis fruit dominates both the nose and the palate here. The palate has impressive energy and freshness, with remarkably vibrant acidity given the sweetness of cassis fruit. Higher floral tones come together with hints of nutmeg and cedar on the back end, making for a layered and impressive wine. (TP)
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. Sir Peter Michael founded his eponymous winery in 1982, after having been inspired by the wine of Chateau Montelena, which led him to California. In 2020, Robert Fiore took the helm as winemaker, but the previous winemaker, Luc Morlet, remains as a consultant. Robert studied at the Colorado School of Mines, which led him to a career in environmental geophysics, before finding his path into the world of wine. He went on to UC Davis to study Viticulture and Enology. Most recently, Robert was a member of the winemaking team at Continuum in Napa. Vineyard manager Javier Avina has championed the land since 1991. Each of the sites are steep hillsides that modulate with varied exposition and soils in the Knights Valley. Sir Peter’s son Paul and his wife Emily oversee the management of the winery today.
A deeper, richer, more powerful wine than Les Pavots, as we head over the top of the mountain and down again into Napa. This has gorgeous grip, perfectly judged, bringing Sonoma sensibility into a prime Napa site. Packed with punch, juicy blackberry and black cherry fruit, impressively controlled, confident but not shouting to be heard. Excpetional quality, one to track down and celebrate after a few more years ageing. 100% new oak, bought in 2009 by Peter Michael, first vintage 2011.
About the producer
Founded in 1983 by Sir Peter Michael CBE and his wife Margaret, Peter Michael Winery produces some of California’s finest wines.