2021 Au Paradis Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tasting notes
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Au Paradis is a saturated purple hue and is classic and inviting with lush aromatics of menthol, cassis, dark stones, and warming spice. An exceptional vintage of this wine, it’s long and balanced, with all its components harmonious throughout. It has a plush, velvety texture, even acidity, and fantastic length. As it unfolds, it boasts layers of mocha, leather, and earth, it’s all put together fantastically, and while it’s unquestionably decadent, it’s not sappy or overbearing. It’s one of those wines that’s a pleasure to drink now and will also age with ease over the coming decades. Perfection. Drink: 2027-2057. Sir Peter Michael founded his eponymous winery in 1982, inspired by the wine of Chateau Montelena, which led him to California. In 2020, Robert Fiore took the helm as winemaker, while former 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 in Knights Valley that modulate with varied exposition and soils. Sir Peter’s son Paul and his wife Emily oversee the management of the winery today.
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Average Score
James Suckling
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
A rich and flavorful red with lots of blackberries, dark chocolate, iodine, orange peel, lemon zest, green tobacco and pine needles, Medium-bodied. Tannins are open and then turn fine and polished. Lovely length and consistency. 88% cabernet sauvignon, 9% cabernet franc and 3% merlot. Drink after 2028.
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Au Paradis is blended with 9% Cabernet Franc and 3% Merlot, and its aromas unfold over several minutes in the glass. Blueberry liqueur and a well of cassis give way to bresaola, grilled meats, bitter chocolate, leather, thyme and sage before a singular crescendo of pure violet perfume. The palate offers a seamless structure defined by smooth, velvety tannins and freshness that highlights its floral top notes; highly concentrated, detailed fruit; herbal, savory and mineral flavors; and fantastic length. Its ripeness is expertly restrained, and this world-class Cabernet, poised for a slow arc of maturation, is a great candidate for the cellar. 1,344 cases were made, and the Au Paradis will be released in July of 2024.
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.