2014 Peter Michael ‘Au Paradis’ Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

JS99 Extremely perfumed with iron, clay and currant character. Copper pennies and hints of steak. Then this turns to flowers, iodine and oyster shells. Full body that’s juicy and defined by hefty blackcurrant flavors and real meatiness. Dark-chocolate and orange-peel undertones. Extremely long and flavorful. About three-fourths Cabernet Sauvignon with the rest being Cabernet Franc. Excellent follow-up to the 2013.
DEC98 2014 saw an accelerated bud-break due to the warm spring temperatures. Continuing warmth with no heat spikes produced grapes with thick skins, resulting in a higher tannic structure in this wine. Perfect for a 45-day dry-aged rib-eye steak grilled on cherry wood, this has aromas of crushed violets layered between dried cherries, juicy plum and dried herbs. It’s full of tension and stamina, and is driven by its mouthwatering profile.
VIN96 One of the many highlights in this range, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Au Paradis is simply fabulous. Mocha, smoke, espresso, chocolate and racy new oak wrap around a plush core of dark fruit in a Cabernet of arresting beauty and total allure. The 2014 has an explosive energy that balances some of its more flamboyant leanings to great effect. This is a stellar showing from Peter Michael.
WA94: Their newest vineyard acquisition in Oakville has produced the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Au Paradis, which used to be the Showket Vineyard on the red soils of the Oakville corridor near Dalla Valle, Rudd and Screaming Eagle. Aged in 100% Darnajou casks, this cuvée of 2,300 cases is a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon and 24% Cabernet Franc. Pauillac-like in a somewhat Lynch-Bages style, this meaty, fleshy wine has plenty of crème de cassis, licorice, cedar wood and forest floor. It is full-bodied, opulent, and a beautiful example of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon that should drink well for 25-30 years.