2023 Au Paradis

The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Au Paradis is a superb wine off this highly regarded Oakville site. Black fruit, mocha, chocolate, new leather and exotic spice fill out the layers. The 2023 exudes striking intensity in every dimension. There's a lot of tannin, but also more than enough fruit to pull it all together. The 2023 Au Paradis is quite simply tremendous. 

- Antonio Galloni (01/2026)

Coming from the Oakville Estate, the 2023 Au Paradis is the deepest, most inky black/purple color, and it’s noted with eucalyptus, black cherries, cassis, blackcurrants, tobacco leaf, and fresh pressed flowers. The 1983-planted Cabernet Franc block that contributes fruit to this cuvée plays a really important role in the aromatic profile for me, and I love the bright mineral lift and focus this wine has, with more clarity overall. Full-bodied, it has good acidity and more focus for me, with more even tannins, and again it doesn’t feel hot, which is very appealing. Drink over the coming 20 or more years. Drink 2027-2050. 

- Audrey Frick (06/2026)

Another lovely ’23, with a succulent wave of boysenberry and red currant preserves that picks up accents of bramble, anise and apple wood, as well as a savory edge along the way. Solidly grippy, with focus and drive on the toasty finish. Best from 2027 through 2038. 

- James Molesworth (08/2026)

Grapes for the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Au Paradis were harvested from October 11 to November 4—the first time Peter Michael’s Oakville property has ever been picked in November, which is more than a full month later than the harvest in 2022. Blended with 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Merlot, it has arresting aromas of cassis, blackcurrant bud, tobacco, star anise, dark chocolate, cast iron and violet, and it continues to reveal additional nuances as it spends time in the glass. Although the full-bodied palate is coiled at this stage, it has a highly refined structure with luxurious, powdery tannins and bright, focused acidity that corsets its dark, mineral-laced flavors. Its alcohol and oak are seamlessly integrated, and it has a very long, alluringly ferrous finish. It will be long lived in the cellar. 1,974 cases were made and will be released in September 2026. 

- Erin Brooks (02/2026)