- Practicing Organic
- 100% Chardonnay
- Knights Valley Estate Vineyard (Knights Valley AVA)
- Planted in 1999
- Volcanic-origin rhyolite soils
- South-southeast exposures
- 1,700 to 1,900 ft. elevation
- Highest elevation on the estate
- Hand-Harvested
- 100% native yeast
- 100% barrel-fermented in 100% French oak from select artisan coopers
- Barrel-aged sur lies for 12 months with weekly bâtonnage
- Bottled unfiltered
- 14.9% abv
Info
Producer:
Vintage:
2022
Country:
United States
Region:
California
Appellation:
Knights Valley
Variety:
Chardonnay
Color:
White
Farming Practice:
Sustainable
Sizes Available
| Full Bottle | US-PMW-33-22 | 12/750ml |
Press & Reviews
Wine Advocate
Score
97
Date
2025-03-20
"Planted in 1999, the Ma Belle Fille Vineyard contains Peter Michael,s highest elevation Chardonnay vines, planted at 1,700 to 1,900 feet in elevation. The vineyard was hit hard by frost in April, and winemaker Robert Fiore says that some blocks in Ma Belle Fille yielded as little as 0.6 tons per acre. The resulting 2022 Chardonnay Ma Belle Fille is dynamic and expressive. Initial touches of vanilla, allspice and pie crust give way to scents of white peach, green guava and coriander seed as it airs in the glass. The palate offers highly concentrated flavors foiled by mouthwatering acidity, and it has a very long finish laced with tropical flower perfume and latent spicy undertones. It will gain savory complexity in the cellar over the next 10-15 years. 1,040 cases were made."
Vinous
Score
95
Date
2024-07-15
"The 2022 Chardonnay Ma Belle Fille is fabulous. Fruit came in over the course of a month, which might help the wine's complexity and myriad dimensions. Orange blossom, spice, mint, chamomile, spice and kiss of French oak caress the palate. Silky and resonant, with gorgeous layers, the 2022 offers tons of nuance. I especially admire the way it opens with aeration. Brisk acids extend the finish."
Wine Spectator
Score
95
Date
2024-05-01
"A lovely, juicy and aromatic blend of candied lemon peel, orange blossoms, mango and grilled peach, with notes of almond oil, freshly grated ginger and Honeycrisp apple. Shows an ample grace note of green tea, spices and fresh herbs on a sleek frame. Drink now through 2034. —M.W."
REVIEWS FROM PAST VINTAGES
2021
James Suckling
Score
97
Date
2024-02-22
"Wonderful clarity and brightness with basalt, flint, lime zest and hints of reduction that give the nose great intensity and subtle character. More volcanic rocks. Full-bodied and layered with such purity of fruit and great length. It opens on the palate and really talks to you. Hints of green apples, honeysuckle and seashells. Terrific finish. Drinkable now but you should wait and let it show its true excellence. Better in four or five years."
2021
Wine Advocate
Score
96
Date
2023-10-20
2021
Vinous
Score
95
Date
2023-06-01
2019
Vinous
Score
96
Date
2022-01-07
2018
Vinous
Score
95
Date
2018
Wine Spectator
Score
94
Date