Peter Michael ‘Belle Côte’ Knights Valley Chardonnay 2023
96 Points, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate – 96 Points, Jeb Dunnuck – 95 Points, Vinous – 95 Points, Wine Spectator
“Coming from the older vines of the estate, planted in 1990 with an east-facing exposition, the 2023 Chardonnay Belle Cote is a bright golden yellow color. It offers the most depth aromatically with notes of frangipane, smoky wet stones, white peach, salted pineapple, and vanilla. The palate is full-bodied and more opulent, yet it’s reigned-in and focused, with a long feel and a mouthwatering mineral persistence. The structure is built to last, with a pleasing note of bitter almond on the finish. Drink 2026-2040.”
Original price was: $150.00.$135.00Current price is: $135.00.
Availability: In stock
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96 pts – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
From vines planted in 1990, it’s open and expressive, its peach and guava aromas complemented by nuances of elderflower, graham cracker and crème brûlée. The full-bodied palate is satiny and expansive with tropical, spicy flavors. Its concentration is balanced by vibrant acidity, and it has a long, bright finish.
96 pts – Jeb Dunnuck
Coming from the older vines of the estate, planted in 1990 with an east-facing exposition, the 2023 Chardonnay Belle Cote is a bright golden yellow color. It offers the most depth aromatically with notes of frangipane, smoky wet stones, white peach, salted pineapple, and vanilla. The palate is full-bodied and more opulent, yet it’s reigned-in and focused, with a long feel and a mouthwatering mineral persistence. The structure is built to last, with a pleasing note of bitter almond on the finish. Drink 2026-2040.
Chardonnay Ma Belle-Fille 2017 will be delicious this Saturday night and every other for the next 10-15 years.
Sir Peter’s Chardonnay Belle Côte is on a very short list of the best white wines in America in and every vintage. Naturally, it’s also one of the hardest to get. I managed to get exactly two six-packs of this home-run Chardonnay and sometimes I can’t even get that.
‘Belle Cote’ or “Beautiful Slope” in French comes from a steep parcel on the Peter Michael estate precariously positioned between 1,700 to 1,900 feet, Belle Côte has a southeastern exposure and a western border of native trees, which shelter the vines from the hot afternoon sun.
Because they are so high up in the mountains, there is a much longer growing season for these grapes, a distinct advantage over most all of their competition. There is plenty of the time for the Chardonnay to ripen and the acids and the fruit to align perfectly, a leisure that not everyone has. Usually, the team here picks about 3 or 4 weeks later than most of the folks in Napa and Sonoma.
Grilled Fish and seasonal root vegetables are the perfect match.
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