Chardonnay 'Belle Côte'

Score

96-98

"I tasted the 2022 Chardonnay Belle Cte from tank shortly before it was due to be bottled. It's lively and generous with singular scents of lemon drop, pie crust and toasted meringue, plus integrated tones of matchstick and allspice. The medium-bodied palate is defined by its lacy, lightly mouth-coating texture. Its deep core of creamy, lemony flavors is enlivened by mouthwatering acidity, and its juxtaposition of depth and energy calls you back for another sip. 1,783 cases will be produced, and the Belle Cte will be released in February of 2024."

Score

95

"The 2022 Chardonnay Belle Côte emerges from vines planted by Helen Turley the early 1990s, the oldest vines on the property. It marries power and elegance in grand style. Deep mineral notes give the 2022 notable presence and intensity to pull it all together. This was the last fruit the estate picked, as is often the case. Belle Côte is another strong 2022 from Peter Michael."

Score

94

"This powerful version opens with a toasty mix of spices, buttery toasted brioche and carmelized apple pastry. Offers plenty of plump ripe peach, apricot and melon flavors, with a note of marmalade at the core. Candied ginger, graham cracker, salted, toasted almond and marzipan linger on the finish. Drink now through 2033. —M.W."

Score

99

"Aromas of Wente clone skin with pears and apples as well as lime and lemon. Some hot stone and chalk. Full-bodied and very layered. It's captured the essence of this classic chardonnay clone. The wood is very low impact. Like eating perfectly ripened grapes. Superb length on a gorgeous finish, One of the best ever. From 34-year-old vines. Drinkable now but will age for years."

Score

97

Score

98

"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."

Score

97+

"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."

Score

96

"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."