Loads of blackberries, blackcurrants, pine needles, lavender, meat and hints of fresh sage. Full bodied and layered with fine tannins. So polished and beautiful. I love the polish, the gorgeous sensibility and length. Refreshing and bright. I have enjoyed tasting it and pondering its greatness. Try to drink after 2023.

The 2016 Au Paradis is borderline perfection in a glass and shows the incredible quality both of this estate and the vintage. Tons of blackcurrants, smoked tobacco, savory spice, dried earth, and graphite notes all emerge from this full-bodied, structured, concentrated effort that reminds me of a First Growth Pauillac. With building tannins and incredible purity of fruit, it’s going to benefit from 4-5 years of bottle and keep for three decades.

An almost textbook Napa Valley vintage, 2016 experienced a warm start with an early bud-break, while a cooler than average yet steady warmth made for a controlled harvest. Best paired with venison stew served over jasmine rice, wild raspberry and red rose aromas dominate, accompanied on the palate by notes of freshly turned soil, macerated cherry and a sweet core complemented by generous tannins and a lengthy finish. (Drink between 2019-2034)

The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Au Paradis is a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon and 24% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple colored, it offers up gregarious notions of warm redcurrants, black cherries and cassis with nuances of violets, wild sage, cast iron pan, wood smoke, charcuterie and cloves. The palate is medium to full-bodied, with firm, very ripe, grainy tannins, wonderful freshness and elegance and a long mineral-tinged finish. 1,740 cases produced, to be released in autumn 2019. - LPB

Alluring sage and anise notes lead off, giving way to gently steeped plum and blackberry fruit flavors. Baker's chocolate, loam and tobacco details emerge through the finish, adding range and depth. Best from 2020 through 2030. 1,772 cases made. — JM