Peter Michael - Au Paradis - Napa Valley 2020

The Drink Business

96

par Colin Hay le 19/09/2023

From a rather warmer vineyard than Les Pavots on a rocky volcanic iron-rich soil that brings a distinct rich, spicy, saline and ferrous minerality to this from the outset. Very different from the more subtle and floral Les Pavots, this is much richer, more plump and intense but with the same precision and purity. The mid-palate is incredibly dense and compact and, for now at least, this feels a little foursquare. It just needs time, more so than its finer and more accessible sibling. Powerful stuff, but with Peter Michael’s signature poise and balance too.

Jeb DUNNUCK

97

par Jeb Dunnuck le 21/07/2023

Pouring an opaque red, the 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Au Paradis is lush and refined with aromas of cassis, espresso, violets, and sweet tobacco. Full-bodied, this refined profile continues on the palate, with a ripe, velvety texture, fine tannins, and notes of black cherry liqueur and mocha, as well as floral oils that last long on the palate without feeling heavy. Drink 2025-2045.

The Wine Independent

95

par Lisa Perrotti-Brown le 21/06/2023

The 2020 Au Paradis is a blend of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot, and 1% Cabernet Franc, harvested in the second week of September and finishing September 25. Deep garnet-purple in color, it comes bounding out with exuberant notes of creme de cassis, redcurrant jelly, and juicy blackberries with hints of camphor, dark chocolate, and tar plus a waft of bay leaves. The full-bodied palate is concentrated yet bright and expressive, with bags of black and red berry flavors and bright mineral accents, supported by fine-grained tannins, finishing long and lifted.

Wine Advocate

96

par Erin Brooks le 16/02/2023

Blended with 3% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc, the 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Au Paradis comes from a vineyard in Oakville near Dalla Valle, around 500-600 feet in elevation. It has a deep ruby-purple color and opens slowly to warm black plums, graphite and grilled peppers with wafts of cedar, chocolate and soy. The full-bodied palate offers plenty of freshness to support its concentrated, ripe fruit. It boasts generous, powdery tannins, alluring floral tones and a long, layered finish. Ripe yet balanced, it's approachable right now. 1,401 cases were made, and it will be released in July of 2023.

Vinous

92

par Antonio Galloni le 31/01/2023

The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Au Paradis is a powerful wine, its mid-weight structure notwithstanding. There's good depth to the ripe dark plum, blackberry and chocolate flavors. The aromatics aren't quite as focused as they usually are, but all things considered, this is a very good wine in a highly challenging year. About 40% of the wines were discarded, including much of the Franc, which is quite low in this vintage.

Wine Spectator

92

par James Molesworth le 01/01/2023

Forward, with a wave of crushed blueberry, açaí and blackberry fruit flavors that dominate the character, while touches of loam, licorice root and tobacco fill in on the broad, slightly grainy finish. Best from 2024 through 2034. 1,401 cases made.

Jamessuckling.com

95

par James Suckling le 16/09/2022

This is a very refined and polished red, with redcurrant and spice, as well as black-pepper and flint undertones. It’s medium-bodied with refined tannins and a fresh, silky finish. All about finesse and polish. Drinkable now, but better after 2024.