TASTING NOTES:
This is really complex with the complete character profile of Peter Michael chardonnay. It’s full and very layered with a great center palate. Incredibly thought-provoking and satisfying. Dried apple and lemon with lightly toasted oak. Great finish. Changes all the time. Drink or hold.
– James Suckling, 99 pts
Ma Belle Fille is the highest of the Peter Michael vineyards, located at 1,200-1,800 feet. Planted to a field selection of Hudson, Old Wente, Montrachet and Calera clones, it is also the earliest ripening vineyard. A tank sample due to be bottled in just a few days, the 2019 Chardonnay Ma Belle Fille slips seductively out of the glass with tantalizing notes of warm apple slices, ripe nectarines and spice cake, giving way to a beautiful perfume of honeysuckle, beeswax and tangerine peel, plus a waft of cashews. Full-bodied, the palate delivers mouth-coating stone fruit and spiced apple flavors with a lively backbone and decadent oiliness to the texture, finishing on a long-lasting honey-nut note.
– Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, 98 pts
Lithe and well-knit, with lacy richness to the apple pastry and pear tart flavors that are backed by lively acidity. Brioche accents midpalate lead to a juicy finish that lingers with fresh minerality.
– Wine Spectator, 94 pts