- 100% Chardonnay
- Sourced from the Belle Côte “Beautiful Slope” Vineyard at Peter Michael’s Estate
- Knights Valley AVA, Sonoma County
- Planted in 1990
- Volcanic-origin rhyolite soils
- South-Southeast exposure
- 1,700-1,750 ft. elevation
- Hand-harvested
- 100% native yeast
- 100% barrel fermented in 100% French oak
- Aged 12 months in French oak sur lies with weekly bâtonnage
- Unfined and unfiltered
- 14.5% abv
Info
Producer:
Vintage:
2018
Country:
United States
Region:
California
Appellation:
Knights Valley
Variety:
Chardonnay
Color:
White
Farming Practice:
Sustainable
Sizes Available
| Full Bottle | US-PMW-31-18 | 12/750ml |
Press & Reviews
James Suckling
Score
98
Date
2022-01-14
"Attractive aromas of dried lemon zest, pear skin, crushed chalk and almonds. Hint of beeswax and pollen. It,s medium-to full-bodied with crisp acidity. Elegant and refined with lingering crushed stone on a very long finish. Beautiful. Drink or hold."
Vinous
Score
96
Date
2020-01-01
"The 2018 Chardonnay Belle-Cte from the oldest vines on the property (planted in 1990), possesses dazzling mineral intensity to match its mid-weight, delineated personality. Lemon peel, pear, mint, white pepper and sage all develop in the glass. The clonal mix here is See, old Wente and Rued, with the floral top notes of Rued (that recall Riesling) especially evident, even if Rued comprises the smallest part of the blend."
Wine Advocate
Score
97+
Date
2021-02-04
"An eastern-facing slope on white, dusty soil, this vineyard is the latest of the Peter Michael Chardonnay vineyards to ripen each year. The site is planted mainly to Old Wente and See clone selections with a little Rued clone. Planted in 1990, these are the oldest vines on the estate. The 2018 Chardonnay Belle Cote opens with earthy notions of crushed rocks and chalk dust over a core of fresh apricots, Golden Delicious apples and honeydew melon with a fragrant touch of jasmine. The medium to full-bodied palate is both intense and refreshing, not skimping on the silkiness of the texture and delivering a good, long, zesty finish. 3,151 cases were made."