Peter Michael Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville Au Paradis 2017

96 points James Suckling: "This is a beautiful wine with juicy fruit. Tile and iron undertones add an iodine note. Medium to full body and round tannins. Fresh and flavorful. Very pretty length and intensity. Hints of spice, stone and walnuts. Elegant and beautiful. Tight and structured. Drink or hold. Better after 2023. (2/14/20)"

95 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Au Paradis, from Peter Michael's parcel in the hills of Eastern Oakville, is one of the successes of this trying vintage. Red cherry jam, game, smoke, licorice, spice and incense all meld together effortlessly. This is an especially refined wine for a sector in Oakville that seems to lean more naturally towards power. The 2017 spent 18 months in Darnajou barrels, 50% new. I would prefer to cellar the 2017 for a few years, but if enjoyed young, several hours of aeration will do wonders. Drink: 2022-2037. (Apr 2020)"

94 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate): "Composed of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon and 24% Cabernet Franc coming from Oakville AVA, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Au Paradis reveals a deep garnet-purple color and charges out of the gate with expressive notes of warm cassis, plum preserves and wild blueberries with hints chocolate mint, candied violets, black loam, truffles and charcuterie. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers bags of juicy fruit with great freshness and solid, ripe, grainy tannins, finishing with laudable purity. 1,450 cases were made. Drink: 2021-2034. (Feb 2020)"

94 points Wine Spectator: "Juicy and winey, with a terrific core of ripe blackberry and warmed cassis flavors, laced with licorice root, sage and loam notes. Drives nicely through the finish, showing a touch of polish along the edges as the fruit ripples along. Best from 2022 through 2037. 1,450 cases made. (11/15/20)"

Producer notes: "76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Cabernet Franc. With a near-black ruby color and violet highlights, 2017 Au Paradis is packed with aromas of black currant and crème de cassis with meaty nuances and touches of plum brandy, vanilla, allspice and red rose. The flavors mirror the nose with juicy black currant and additional notes of fresh leather, black olive, framed with plentiful, but fine-grained tannins with iron-like background minerality. The mouth feel is round, refined and complex with an incredible length of finish. Approachable now, the wine will reward five years of cellaring and will continue to age gracefully for two decades or more. Alcohol 14.9%."