2021 Peter Michael Au Paradis Oakville
The 2021 Peter Michael ‘Au Paradis’ Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville, Napa Valley, exemplifies the winery’s commitment to producing exceptional Bordeaux-style wines that reflect the unique terroir of their estate.
Tasting Notes
- Aromas: Enticing bouquet of dried rose petals, lilacs, violets, black currant, dark cherry, black plum, and raspberry.
- Flavors: The palate reveals a harmonious blend of black currant, dark cherry, and black plum, complemented by fine-grained tannins and a broad, concentrated mid-palate that transitions into a lengthy finish.
- Texture: Silky entry with a well-structured, elegant mouthfeel, showcasing depth and powerful elegance.
Food Pairings
- Red Meats: Grilled ribeye steak, roasted lamb, or braised short ribs.
- Game: Venison or duck breast with a berry reduction.
- Aged Cheeses: Sharp cheddar, Gouda, or blue cheese.
Vineyard Technical Specifications
- Appellation: Oakville, Napa Valley, California.
- Vineyard Location: Situated in the heart of the Oakville AVA’s famed red dirt, the ‘Au Paradis’ vineyard lies between 500 and 600 feet elevation on the eastern foothills, offering ideal sun exposure and a gentle slope that enhances fruit ripening.
- Soil: Rocky red Boomer loam, weathered from volcanic rock, clay, silt, and sand, contributing to the wine’s minerality and complexity.
- Blend Composition: 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Merlot.
- Harvest Period: September 9 – September 30, 2021.
- Aging: Aged for eighteen months in 100% French oak barrels from select artisan coopers, enhancing the wine’s structure and imparting subtle oak nuances.
- Alcohol Content: 15.8% by volume.
- Bottling Date: Unfiltered bottling on May 11, 2023.
- Release Date: Scheduled for September 1, 2024.
The 2021 vintage experienced a mild growing season with steady temperatures, allowing for optimal fruit development. The resulting wine exhibits beautiful harmony, depth, and powerful elegance, promising to age gracefully for over twenty years.