Au Paradis

Located in the heart of the Oakville AVA’s famed red dirt in Napa Valley, 'Au Paradis' is exactly where its name translates, "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, 26 acres 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.

Vintage Notes

The winter was drier than average with the last rains coming in March followed by moderate weather during bloom which resulted in good fruit set but very small, concentrated berries. Overall, 2021 was a mild, steady growth without major heat spikes and only one day over 100F in August and September. The ideal weather continued through harvest which began the second week of September and concluded September 30th. It was a truly exceptional growing season.

Winegrowing Notes

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.

Winemaker's Tasting Notes

The brilliant, dark ruby red 2021 ‘Au Paradis’ entices with a beguiling mix of dried rose petals, lilacs, violets, black currant, dark cherry, black plum, and raspberry. The silky entry leads to a burst of extremely fine-grained tannins and a broad, concentrated mid-palate melts into a harmonious, lengthy finish. The well-structured 2021 exhibits beautiful harmony, depth, and powerful elegance. This is a wine that promises to age gracefully for over twenty years.

Vintage Notes

A drier than normal January and February were followed by a May with just enough rain and cool weather to influence fruit set and drive yields lower than normal at the Oakville Estate. Overall, 2020 was a cooler growing season punctuated by a series of heat spikes in August and September. Harvest began the second week of September and concluded on September 25.

Winegrowing Notes

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.

Winemaker's Tasting Notes

The ruby red 2020 ‘Au Paradis’ exhibits a complex floral and fruity nose of black currant, cassis, violets, black plum, and red raspberry. The wine showcases great structure with mouth-coating, velvety tannins in the late midpalate that resolve in a long, lingering finish. Black tea and dark chocolate accent this full-bodied, intense, well-structured edition of ‘Au Paradis.’

Vintage Notes

The 2019 growing season in Oakville started with a full water profile in the soil due to generous amounts of rain over the winter months. Moderate temperatures allowed for good fruit set and above-average yields. The growing season was long and warm, without significant heat spikes, ultimately resulting in wines with notable freshness and vibrancy.

Winegrowing Notes

Grown in the heart of the Oakville AVA’s famed red dirt in Napa Valley, ‘Au Paradis’ is a wine that transports the drinker, hence its celestial name, which translates as “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, 26 acres 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.

Winemaker's Tasting Notes

The 2019 ‘Au Paradis’ displays a deep ruby hue in the glass, with a brilliant, aromatic array of black cherry, cassis, blackberry compote, and violets, accented with hints of graphite, cinnamon, and dark chocolate. On the palate, the round, mouth-filling entry showcases high-quality, fine-grained tannins with black tea and cocoa powder notes before giving way to a broad, structured, multilayered midpalate and resolving into a seamlessly elegant finish with great length. This classic ‘Au Paradis’ combines elegance with power. Approachable even in its youth, it will improve with five years to two decades of cellaring.

Vintage Notes

The winter of 2017 and 2018 marked a return to normal cool temperatures in California. The rains were abundant in February, then diminished by April, when budbreak occurred the first week. During the bloom, the vines flowered uniformly during the second week of June for our Cabernet Sauvignon. Fortunately, there was only one heat wave, lasting a mere couple of days at the end of June, during the end of the bloom. The growing season happened under excellent weather conditions: very dry with mild temperatures between 80º and 90ºF. For the county of Napa Valley, this is a trouble-free vintage characterized by mild weather with a long, unseasonably warm autumn. Veraison occurred during the first and second weeks of August. Harvest dates were from October 12 to 17, with a daily picking schedule. It was a very intense harvest because the dry weather made the de-leafing required in the vineyard especially extensive. On the other hand, the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes benefited from warm days and cool nights. The yields of 2 tons per acre were low except for the new plantation, blocks 10 and 11. We faced some difficult decisions to pick fully ripe without excessive sugar content (which is rare) in each block. The acidity level was low, with almost no malic acid left at the harvest date. This vintage has both high quantity and high quality of tannins. It is a strong and safe vintage for collectors and connoisseurs.

Winegrowing Notes

Located in the heart of the Oakville AVA’s famed red dirt in Napa Valley, ‘Au Paradis’ is exactly where its name translates, “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, 26 acres 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.

Winemaker's Tasting Notes

The 2018 ‘Au Paradis’ appears near-black to ruby in color with perfumed aromas of red rose and distinct black currant and cassis. Equally, the flavor delivers dark fruit reminiscent of plum and crème de cassis aside bright and savory notes of raspberry, rose petal, and graphite. Well-rounded on the palate, showing refinement with complexity and the hallmark aromas and flavors characteristic of the acclaimed iron-rich, red dirt soils of Oakville. Approachable now, the wine will reward five years of cellaring and will continue to age gracefully for two decades or more.

Vintage Notes

The 2017 growing season began with abundant rainfall, ending California’s long drought. Spring weather was cool, delaying bud break slightly. Warmer weather in mid-May insured even blooming and an average sized fruit set. Vines were vigorous thanks to the winter rains. Meticulous canopy management and fruit thinning brought the crop into optimal balance. Warmer than normal conditions after veraison accelerated ripening and required judicious irrigation to mitigate dehydration. As harvest approached, the return of cooler conditions allowed the fruit to gradually reach perfect ripeness. Picking was completed on September 29 with an average sized crop, giving us a vintage of exceptional quality.

Winegrowing Notes

Located in the heart of the Oakville AVA’s famed ‘red dirt’ in Napa Valley, Au Paradis is exactly where its name translates, ‘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, 26 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot look down on the valley and across to the Mayacamas. 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.

Winemaker's Tasting Notes

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.

Vintage Notes

The near perfect 2016 growing season started with a warm February and early bud break. While California’s drought continued, rains were sufficient to meet the vineyard’s needs. Cool damp conditions at blooming resulted in a smaller than normal fruit set. After veraison, a single pass of green harvest brought the crop into optimal balance. Overall, the vintage was slightly cooler than average, with consistently warm and sunny conditions and only one heat spike. Moderate temperatures at harvest allowed gradual picking as each block achieved perfection, providing excellent flavor development and slightly lower potential alcohol. The vintage produced delicate, classically styled wines with firm acidity and bright fruit.

Winegrowing Notes

Located in the heart of the Oakville AVA’s famed “red dirt” in Napa Valley, Au Paradis is exactly where its name translates, “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, 26 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot look down on the valley and across to the Mayacamas. 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.

Winemaker's Tasting Notes

To the eye, 2016 Au Paradis presents a near black ruby color with violet highlights. The nose is elegant and packed with aromas of black currant and cassis with meaty nuances and touches of plum brandy, vanilla, caramel, clove and cinnamon. The flavors mirror the nose with additional notes of ‘pain d’épices’, fresh leather and olive, framed with plentiful, but fine-grained tannins and an iron-like minerality. The mouth feel is round, refined and complex with an incredible length of finish. Approachable now, the wine will handsomely reward five years of cellaring and will continue to age gracefully for two decades or more.

Vintage Notes

The winter was dry, with only 75% of normal rainfall, continuing four years of drought.Unseasonably warm temperatures accelerated bud break by three to four weeks. March brought welcomed rain. Fortunately, bloom had already occurred so the crop was unaffected. Steady warm temperatures dominated the remainder of the growing season providing ideal ripening conditions. The crop load level was balanced and didn’t require any hand thinning. A surge of hot temperatures accelerated the pace of harvest and made picking decisions crucial this vintage. No doubt affected by the drought, juice yields were quite low, resulting in wines with incredible depth and concentration.

Winegrowing Notes

Located in the heart of the Oakville AVA’s famed “red dirt” in Napa Valley, Au Paradis is exactly where its name translates, “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, 26 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot look down on the valley and across to the Mayacamas. The slope and hillside location provide ideal sun exposure during the day and helps develop the lush, intense fruit one would expect from such a magnificent property.

Winemaker's Tasting Notes

With a deep red ruby color, 2015 Au Paradis offers elegant notes of cassis, blackberry blossom, black cherry, chocolate, licorice, cinnamon and an exotic touch of orange rind. In the mouth, the texture is velvety and loaded with black currant, cassis liqueur, game, dark chocolate, plum eau de vie, black olive, iron-like minerality and discreet notes of fur. The finish is round, refined, complex and meaty with incredible length. This wine will continue to develop and age gracefully for three decades or more.

Vintage Notes

The winter rainfall was 70% of normal, continuing three years of drought. Unseasonably warm temperatures in early spring accelerated bud break by four weeks, then bloom through veraison benefited from moderate temperatures. Early use of drip irrigation was critical for the health of the vines. Meticulous canopy management and substantial crop thinning brought the vines into balance. Ideal Indian summer conditions allowed us to calmly harvest each block as it achieved optimal ripeness. Yields were higher than average, but due to dehydration the skins and pulps of the berries were thicker than normal, resulting in low juice yields at the press, and exceptional concentration in the wines.

Winegrowing Notes

Located in the heart of the Oakville AVA’s famed “red dirt” in Napa Valley, Au Paradis is exactly where its name translates, “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, 26 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot look down on the valley and across to the Mayacamas. 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.

Winemaker's Tasting Notes

To the eye, Au Paradis presents a deep red ruby color. The nose offers elegant notes of cassis, black cherry, chocolate, licorice, cloves, cinnamon and an exotic touch of orange. In the mouth, the texture is velvety and loaded with black currant, liqueur of cassis, game, black berry liqueur, black olives, coconut, plum eau-de-vie, and an iron-like minerality. The mouth feel is round, refined, complex and meaty with an incredible length of finish. The 2014 Au Paradis will continue to age gracefully for three decades or more.

Vintage Notes

The 2013 growing season began with a dry spring and mild temperatures, very similar to the previous vintage. Bloom occurred evenly under excellent conditions, setting an ample crop. With the exception of one heat spike in late June, temperatures were consistently optimal, resulting in notably healthy vines. Meticulous canopy management and substantial crop thinning, brought the vines into perfect balance. From veraison to the harvest, a long Indian summer contributed to the exceptional quality of the vintage. Sunny days, followed by cool evenings allowed for even, slow ripening. No rain or large heat spikes made for berries with amazing fruit intensity and a classic varietal profile.

Winegrowing Notes

Located in the heart of the Oakville AVA’s famed “red dirt” in Napa Valley, Au Paradis is exactly where its name translates, “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, 26 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot look down on the valley and across to the Mayacamas. 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

Winemaker's Tasting Notes

With a deep red ruby color, Au Paradis 2013 offers elegant notes of blackcurrant, black cherry, chocolate, licorice, cloves, cinnamon and an exotic touch of orange. In the mouth, the texture is velvety and loaded with black currant, cassis liqueur, game, blackberry, black olives, coconut, and plum, with an iron-like minerality and gunpowder notes. The finish is round, refined, complex and meaty with incredible length. This wine will continue to develop and age gracefully for three decades or more.

Vintage Notes

Winter and spring were wet and cold, slightly delaying bud break, flowering and fruit set. The bloom occurred in ideal weather. The climate throughout the summer was picture perfect: temperate with only moderate heat spikes. A long Indian summer of mild temperatures and sunny days was an important factor in the ripening process. Yields for the 2012 harvest were slightly higher than average for all varietals. The vintage gave us beautiful, clean, healthy grape clusters across all varietals, appellations and vineyards.

Winegrowing Notes

Located in the heart of the Oakville AVA’s famed “red dirt” in Napa Valley, Au Paradis is exactly where its name translates, “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, 26 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot look down on the valley and across to the Mayacamas. 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.

Winemaker's Tasting Notes

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.

Vintage Notes

A long, cool growing season followed by a wet winter and spring began the 2011 vintage. Bloom was delayed and fruit set slow and unsteady, resulting in shatter in parts of the vineyard. The vineyard crew opened up the vine canopies allowing for optimal sun exposures and good air circulation around the clusters. With later than normal ripening patterns, a long Indian summer provided just the heat we needed for prolonged ripening. While quantity in 2011 was low, the vintage exhibits grace through bright fruit, good intensity and elegant structure.

Winegrowing Notes

Located in the heart of the Oakville AVA’s famed “red dirt” in Napa Valley, Au Paradis is situated exactly where its name translates, “In Heaven.” Planted in the foothills on the eastside 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, 14.5 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc look down upon the valley and across to the Mayacamas. 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.

Winemaker's Tasting Notes

Deep, dense ruby color, Au Paradis offers stunning notes of black currant, black cherry, chocolate, licorice, cloves, cinnamon and subtle aromas of cassis bud and earth. In the mouth, the texture is velvety and loaded with cassis, game, iron-minerals, black cherry liqueur and plum eau-de-vie. Round, refined, complex, meaty with incredible length are the best words to define the mouth feel and finish of the 2011 Au Paradis. It will continue to age gracefully for three decades or more.