2019 Au Paradis Cabernet Sauvignon, Peter Michael, Oakville, Napa Valley

The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Au Paradis is elite. Bright and aromatic, with terrific delineation, the 2019 is a fabulous yet embryonic wine that just needs time to flesh out. The energy and drive here are remarkable, as is the expression of this vineyard in the Eastern Hills of Oakville. Dark red/purplish fruit, spice, lavender, sage, mint and rose petal lend quite a bit of nuance. In a vintage in which so many wines are all about immediacy and overtness, Au Paradis is a wine for the future.

In 2009, Peter Michael purchased the former Showket Vineyard in Oakville, on the hillside below Continuum and above Dalla Valle. That is the source for the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Au Paradis, a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Cabernet Franc and 8% Merlot. Matured in 60% new French oak, it's a fairly forward, opulent wine, marked by scents of cigar box, tobacco, cassis, cherries and fine leather. Full-bodied, rich and velvety without being chocolaty or overdone, the lingering finish is—texturally—plush winter-weight flannel pajamas interwoven with complex, faintly herbal threads.

Aromas of spice, ink, blackberries and currants. Very aromatic! Full-bodied, yet so tight and fresh with firm, velvety tannins. The beautiful center-palate of fruit is so enticing and the finish goes on for minutes. Coolness at the end with blue fruit. Stunning really. Give it time, if you can keep your hands off it. 76% cabernet sauvignon, 16% cabernet franc, and 8% merlot. Best after 2025.