Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The Showket vineyard is now known as “Au Paradis,” since it was purchased by Peter Michael Winery in late 2009. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, the 2008 Double E Proprietary Red Showket Vineyard has a deep garnet-brick color. It bursts from the glass with gregarious crème de cassis, prunes and dried mulberries scents, followed by opulent suggestions of star anise, sandalwood, eucalyptus oil and chocolate box with a waft of beef drippings. The full-bodied palate maintains a solid frame of grainy tannins and lovely freshness supporting the generous exotic spice-laced black fruits, finishing on a long, lingering mineral note.
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Wine Spectator
An extraordinary wine, gorgeous from start to finish. Offers captivating character of ripe dark fruits, currant, blackberry, kirsch, mocha, cedar, graphite, tar and more. Full-blown, beautifully structured, pure and persistent, sailing along gracefully, with a tremendous aftertaste. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2025.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
Home to some of the most sought-after Cabernet Sauvignon in America, Napa Valley’s Oakville district stretches across the center of Napa's valley floor and foothills between the Vaca and Mayacamas Mountains. This AVA is home to the legendary To Kalon Vineyard and Martha's Vineyard, as well as many powerhouse wineries including Screaming Eagle, Silver Oak, Robert Mondavi, Opus One, Far Niente and Groth.
The climate is generally warm and agreeable, resulting in year after year of favorable vintages. Summer days see a gentle tug of war between warmer inland air and the cool air coming in from the San Pablo Bay, creating an ideal environment to grow red varieties. Oakville's diverse soils, namely ancient sea bedrock, clay and gravel, are well-drained, and perfect for high-caliber viticulture.
Cabernet here is often bottled varietally but is also popular in Bordeaux Blends. Oakville wines are known for their silky, sensual textures, structured tannins, dark and brooding fruit and lovely aromatics. These age-worthy and prestigious wines are favored by collectors throughout the world.