Nose

The nose offers elegant notes of cassis, black cherry, chocolate, licorice, cloves, cinnamon and an exotic touch of orange.

Palate

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.

Growing Conditions

Elevation: 500 – 600 feet
Soil: 20-40% of rock with Red Boomer loam. Sub-soil: Rhyolite.
Exposure: South and southwest

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.

Harvest

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.

Bottling

Bottled unfined and unfiltered May 16, 2016.

Aging

Aged 18 months in 100% French oak barrels from select artisan coopers.

Appearance

To the eye, Au Paradis presents a deep red ruby color.