Description
Located in the heart of the Oakville AVA’s famed red dirt in Napa Valley, Au Paradis is exactly where its name translates to: “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 (150–180 meters), 26 acres (11 hectares) of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot look down on the valley and across to the Mayacamas Mountains. 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.
Notes From The Estate
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.
Scored 95+ points by Robert M. Parker Jr on December 30th 2014.