Peter Michael - Au Paradis - Napa Valley 2018
In 1982, after six years of searching for land to serve as both vineyard and family retreat, Sir Peter Michael and Lady Michael purchased 630 acres of volcanic ridges on the western face of Mount St. Helena in Knights Valley.
As an avid collector of the wines from Bordeaux and Burgundy, he set out to create his vision of a mountain-grown, California Cabernet Sauvignon wine that would show authentic terroir, and rival even his favorite wines from home.
In pursuit of Sir Peter’s "100 by 100" vision : 100% family ownership for at least 100 years, the family hired like-minded viticulturists and winemakers to help them create terroir-driven wines that would stand the test of time.
In 1988, the first harvest of ‘Les Pavots’ (“The Poppies” - named in honor of the Golden State’s California flower) was released, showcasing a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot from the Knights Valley Estate Les Pavots Vineyard, which is rooted in the volcanic rich soils of Mount St Helena and reaches elevations of 1,400’.
It wasn’t until 2009 that the family acquired the 26 acres Oakville Estate, featuring the acclaimed iron-rich, red-dirt soils to produce their first Napa Valley wine, ‘Au Paradis’ Estate Cabernet Sauvignon after spending two years improving this already exceptionnal property before making their first vintage.
In 2015, the 2012 vintage of ‘Au Paradis’ was selected as Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wine.
Today, with the support of son, Paul, and Paul's wife Emily, the Peter Michael winery still adheres to its original founding principles of mountain vineyards, classical winemaking, and limited production.
It is a true honour for CVBG to partner with such a pioneering family, and contribute to the fulfilment of their vision, and it is our great pleasure to share with you the release of the 2018 rendition of Au Paradis.
Winemaker Robert Fiore about Au Paradis 2018
https://youtu.be/aDjh6dEZNxI