(Oakville Estate, Napa Valley; 88% Cabernet Sauvignon; 9% Cabernet Franc; 3% Merlot; 60% new oak for the same amount of time; 15.8% alcohol; tasted with Robert Fiore since 2020, the winemaker, over Zoom at the CVBG press tasting). Purchased in 2009. Elevation of 150-200 metres above the valley floor on the Eastern side of the Vaca Mountain range. Richer, fuller, more plump still and more ample in its frame, but with almost the same impact and intensity. Very relaxed and harmonious aromatically and that continues on the palate. Hyacinth, peony and iris – a slightly darker shades floral profile and, if anything, darker berry fruits too. Blueberries, brambles, mulberries being the most prominent notes; a little black cherry and damson too. Black tea. The small amount of Cabernet Franc goes a long way here. Intensity from the small and concentrated berries. Exceptional once again. A special wine. Dark chocolate, a little mocha. Gorgeous texturally. Quite sumptuous and ethereal. Deceptive as the tannic volume is significant but so soft is this texturally that you scarcely notice. - Colin Hay

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Au Paradis is sublime. Soaring aromatics meld into a core of dark red/purplish fruit in a Cabernet that captures the magic—all the essence—of this plateau in the eastern hillsides of Oakville. Cabernet Sauvignon (88%) is quite high in the blend this year, but what impresses most is the wine's dazzling balance and pedigree. What a knockout. This is one of the finest wines I have tasted from Peter Michael. - Antonio Galloni

The 2021 Au Paradis is deep garnet-purple in color. After a little swirling, notes of warm cassis, blackberry preserves, and juicy blueberries jump from the glass, followed by hints of cedar chest, violets, and cumin seed with wafts of anise and tar. The full-bodied palate slowly builds into a powerful crescendo of black fruit, floral, and earthy flavors, supported by super-firm yet beautifully ripe tannins and well-knit freshness, finishing long and layered. Very impressive! The blend is 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Merlot. 1,344 cases were made.Formerly known as Showket Vineyard before it was purchased and renamed by Peter Michael in 2009, Au Paradis Vineyard is composed of the red, rocky, volcanic soils common to parts of Pritchard Hill. This makes sense since it is in the Oakville foothills, below Continuum, and above Dalla Valle. Planted in 1984 and 2007, the varieties here are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown

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. - Yohan Castaing