Region: Sonoma County, California

Vintage: 2021

Composition: 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, 3% Merlot

History: In 1982 Sir Peter and Lady Margaret Michael built the Peter Michael Winery on a square mile of rocky volcanic ridges that form the western face of Mount St. Helena in Knights Valley, Sonoma County, California. The estate vineyards rest on steep hillsides ranging in elevation from 1100 to nearly 2000 feet. Of the nearly 600 estate acres, only about 20% are planted to grapes. Peter Michael Winery is best known for single-vineyard and estate grown Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and a Cabernet Sauvignon cuvee of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The Peter Michael Winery remains true to its commitment to growing classic grape varieties in small mountain vineyards in order to produce great wines using classical winemaking techniques. Given this covenant to the product, only a limited quantity will ever be available.

Tasting Notes:

The brilliant, dark ruby red 2021 Au Paradis entices with a beguiling mix of dried rose petals, lilacs, violets, black currant, dark cherry, black plum, and raspberry. The silky entry leads to a burst of extremely fine-grained tannins and a broad, concentrated mid-palate melts into a harmonious, lengthy finish. The well-structured 2021 exhibits beautiful harmony, depth, and powerful elegance. This is a wine that promises to age gracefully for over twenty years.