Peter Michael - Au Paradis - Napa Valley 2019

Peter Michael - Au Paradis - Napa Valley 2019

In 1982, Sir Peter Michael and Lady Michael purchased 630 acres of volcanic ridges on the western face of Mount St. Helena in Knights Valley. Following Sir Peter’s '100 by 100' vision, 100% family ownership for at least 100 years and drawing inspiration from the great wineries of Burgundy and Bordeaux, the family hired like-minded viticulturists and winemakers to help them create terroir-driven wines that would stand the test of time. Today, with the support of his son, Paul and his wife, the Peter Michael winery still adheres to its original founding principles of mountain vineyards, classical winemaking, and limited production. Grown in the heart of the Oakville AVA’s famed red dirt in Napa Valley, ‘Au Paradis’ is a wine that transports the drinker, hence its celestial name, which translates as “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. Between 500 and 600 feet, 26 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot look down on the valley and across to the Mayacamas Mountains. This location provides ideal sun exposure during the day and help develop the lush, intense fruit one would expect from such a magnificent property.

The vintage & the tasting notes
The 2019 ‘Au Paradis’ displays a deep ruby hue in the glass, with a brilliant, aromatic array of black cherry, cassis, blackberry compote, and violets, accented with hints of graphite, cinnamon, and dark chocolate. On the palate, the round, mouth-filling entry showcases high-quality, fine-grained tannins with black tea and cocoa powder notes before giving way to a broad, structured, multilayered midpalate and resolving into a seamlessly elegant finish with great length. This classic ‘Au Paradis’ combines elegance with power.