A relatively new addition to the Peter Michael range and made from a single vineyard in the heart of the Napa Valley. Phenomenal aromas of dust, rust, blackberry, currants and dried berries. Spices such as nutmeg and cloves too. Stunning. Try in 2018.

Deliciously pure and supple, with explosive dark berry and red berry flavors and a silky, polished texture. The tannins become more evident midway through, with a gravelly crushed rock profile that adds a dimension of dust and mineral. Drink now through 2030. 1,785 cases made. — JL

(95+ points) Peter Michael’s newest offering comes from the Showket Vineyard in Oakville, which sits high on the hillsides of the Vaca Mountains in eastern Napa Valley. The vineyard is next to Dalla Valle, so this is a high-rent Cabernet district. The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Au Paradis is composed of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon and 24% Cabernet Franc (1,785 cases produced). It exhibits lots of grilled meat, spice box, cedarwood, crème de cassis and vanilla characteristics, a full-bodied earthiness, stunning purity, and refined, silky tannins. It is a gorgeous 2012 red to drink over the next 25+ years.- RP