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 near-black ruby colour 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.
Scored 95 points by Antonio Galloni for Vinous in January 2020.