98pts James Suckling
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.
96pts Vinous
The 2018 Au Paradis is delicate, understated and super-classy. Bright red-toned fruit, flowers and spice are finely delineated, but what impresses most about the Au Paradis is its elegant, finessed personality, especially compared to the first few vintages here and the generally powerful wines that are typically found in this sector of Oakville. The 2018 is vibrant and beautifully perfumed from start to finish. I can't wait to how it ages.
96pts Wine Spectator
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.
95pts Wine Advocate
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.
Winemaker Notes
The 2018 ‘Au Paradis’ appears near-black to ruby in color with perfumed aromas of red rose and distinct black currant and cassis. Equally, the flavor delivers dark fruit reminiscent of plum and crème de cassis aside bright and savory notes of raspberry, rose petal, and graphite. Well-rounded on the palate, showing refinement with complexity and the hallmark aromas and flavors characteristic of the acclaimed iron-rich, red dirt soils of Oakville. Approachable now, the wine will reward five years of cellaring and will continue to age gracefully for two decades or more.
Blend: 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc
