Peter Michael - Au Paradis - Napa Valley 2022
Peter Michael Winery: The masterpiece of a pioneering family
In 1982, Sir Peter Michael and Lady Michael acquired 630 acres of volcanic ridges on Mount St. Helena in the Knights Valley. Inspired by the vineyards of Burgundy and Bordeaux, they created wines rooted in their terroir, designed to stand the test of time. Today, with the support of their son Paul and his wife, Peter Michael Winery remains true to its founding principles: high-altitude vineyards, classic 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 any wine lover, 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.
The 2022 Vintage:
The video of the vintage: https://youtu.be/pPuleDsElpw
Continuing the drought from 2020 and 2021 with another winter of low rainfall in 2022, the drier soils and warmFebruary and March temperatures brought on budbreak early which carried through to early flowering, fruit set and veraison. The weather during bloom was fairly steady and yields were only slightly below average, mainly due to smaller berries and clusters. Overall, the summer was cooler than 2021 but a prolonged heat event occurred in early September, condensing the harvest window to eight days, finishing on September 17th.
Tasting notes:
The deep ruby 2022 ‘Au Paradis’ exhibits an attractive array of black currant, violets, blackberries and dried red rose petals with black tea and garrigue accents. The silky entry and dense, rich mid-palate are supported by plush, velvety tannins and lead to a long, lingering finish. This is a refined and polished Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville that will age well for years but will be approachable in the next five years.