2012 Peter Michael Cabernet Sauvignon Au Paradis Napa

~~2012 Au Paradis Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

Winter and spring were wet and cold, slightly delaying bud break, flowering and fruit set. The bloom occurred in ideal weather. The climate throughout the summer was picture perfect:

temperate with only moderate heat spikes. A long Indian summer of mild temperatures and sunny days was an important factor in the ripening process. Yields for the 2012 harvest were slightly higher than average for all varietals. The vintage gave us beautiful, clean, healthy grape clusters across all varietals, appellations and vineyards. Located in the heart of the Oakville AVA’s famed “red dirt” in Napa Valley, Au Paradis is exactly where its name translates, “In Heaven.” Planted in the foothills on the east side of the valley on a raised, gently sloping plateau, the Bordeaux varietals develop into a classic style with silky tannins and deep red fruit. Between 500 and 600 feet, 26 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot look down on the valley and across to the Mayacamas.  The slope and hillside location provide ideal sun exposure during the day and help develop the lush,

intense fruit one would expect from such a magnificent property. With a deep red ruby color, Au Paradis 2012 offers elegant notes of black currant, black cherry, chocolate, licorice, clove, cinnamon and an exotic touch of orange. In the mouth, the texture is velvety and loaded with black currant, liquor of cassis, game, black cherry liqueur and plum eau-de-vie and an iron-like minerality. Round, refined, complex, meaty and incredible length are the best words to define the mouth feel and finish of the 2012 Au Paradis. It will continue to age gracefully for three decades or more.

Harvested: September 20 – October 12, 2012

Blend: 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Cabernet Franc

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