Peter Michael Chardonnay BELLE COTE Knights Valley 2024 750ml

Peter Michael · Chardonnay Belle Côte · Knights Valley · 2024

As the oldest of the four Peter Michael Winery estate Chardonnay blocks, Belle Côte exemplifies the consistent quality of Chardonnay these mountain vineyards produce. Thanks to the naturally cool climate of the site's high elevation, mitigation of exposure to the hot afternoon sun from its southeastern exposure, and a stand of trees on the western border, the vines are allowed to ripen slowly. The growing season for Belle Côte typically extends into October, two to three weeks longer than most Chardonnay vineyards in Napa and Sonoma Counties.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2024

Jeb Dunnuck, 97 Points — A shade deeper yellow with haze, the 2024 Chardonnay Belle-Côte comes from the oldest 1990 plantings that Helen Turley planted and is the last to finish, from an east-facing gradual slope. The nose of this wine packs in so much intensity and focused energy. Full-bodied, it has oily citrus tension, wet stones, and fabulously structured grip, with almost tannin-like structure adding to the body and acidity. Orange blossom and sherbet tones shine alongside tropical hues and savory almond nuances. It's layered and complex.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 94–96 Points — I tasted the 2024 Chardonnay Belle Côte from tank just before it was due to be bottled. It comes from the oldest Chardonnay vines at Peter Michael's Knights Valley Ranch, planted in 1990. Its aromas blossom slowly, segueing from flint and hazelnut to vanilla, panna cotta, papaya and elderflower perfume. The full-bodied palate has a silky texture and pure, expressive flavors, and its new oak is already very well integrated. It's balanced by bright acidity and has a long, nuanced finish.

Vinous, 94 Points — The 2024 Chardonnay Belle Côte is a very pretty mid-weight offering from Peter Michael. It offers up scents of apricot, peach, orange blossom, white flowers and a kiss of French oak. Bright mineral undertones lend energy as they shape the mid-palate and finish. The Belle Côte is the most delicate and ethereal of the Peter Michael Chardonnays. Even so, I would give it a few years in bottle.

Wine Spectator, 94 Points — Elegant and succulent, showcasing ripe melon, nectarine and apricot flavors that are fleshy and juicy on a light, silky frame. Details of wildflower honey, lemon confit and spices including cardamom, nutmeg and white pepper add complexity, as do notes of lemon verbena, lime leaf and sweetgrass. Drink now through 2039.

Specs

• Producer: Peter Michael Winery
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Knights Valley, Sonoma County, California
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Vineyard: Belle Côte (planted 1990)
• Size: 750ml