Peter Michael Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Au Paradis 2018 (750ML)

98 JD / 98 JS / 96 WS / 95 WA

#51 James Suckling's Top 100 American Wines of 2021

Coming from Oakville, the 2018 Au Paradis gives up a deep ruby/purple hue as well as full-bodied aromas and flavors of blackcurrants, green tobacco, lead pencil, sandalwood, and dried flowers. Flawlessly balanced, full-bodied, with silky yet present tannins, it's one of those elegant, seamless wines that surprise you with its richness and depth. It reminds me of a great vintage from Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou and is a brilliant, elegant, complex Cabernet that will evolve for two decades or more.—Jeb Dunnuck

Gorgeous aromas of currants, blackberries, sweet tobacco and violets follow through to a full body with round, finely chewy tannins and a gorgeous finish of fruit, iodine and graphite. But always pretty fruit there. 76% cabernet sauvignon, 13% merlot and 11% cabernet franc. Better after 2024.—James Suckling

Rich and enveloping in feel, with very caressing waves of mulled plum, warmed cassis and steeped blackberry fruit rolling through, with light sassafras, sweet bay leaf and singed apple wood hints peeking in through the finish. Ends with a subtle echo of menthol at the very end. Best from 2022 through 2038. 2,171 cases made. — JM, Wine Spectator

Peter Michael’s Au Paradis vineyard is composed of the red, rocky, volcanic soils common to parts of Pritchard Hill, which makes sense since it is located in Oakville foothills, below Continuum and above Dalla Valle. Composed of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot and 11% Cabernet Franc, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Au Paradis sashays out of the glass with gorgeous notes of kirsch, cassis and redcurrant jelly, plus suggestions of garrigue, clove oil, lavender and spearmint with a touch of cast-iron pan. The medium to full-bodied palate is packed with bright, crunchy black fruit flavors, lifted by herbal and red fruit sparks and textured with firm, grainy tannins, finishing on a lingering ferrous note. 2,171 cases were made.—LPB, The Wine Advocate