2002 Michael, Peter - Point Rouge Chardonnay - USA - California - Sonoma - White

(like the Cuvee Indigene, this will not be released until the fall) Hints of superripe fruit along with lemon and coconut on the very reticent nose. Huge, sappy and solid; again, this has the body and deep core of fruit of a Burgundy grand cru. Superripe pineapple flavor is brightened by solid, harmonious acidity. Shows extraordinary expansion on the back half, finishing with exotic pineapple flavor and great persistence. "We had so many great barrels to choose from," noted Morlet, who eventually selected just 11. The wine represents four different barrel types; 10 of the 11 barrels were new.

The production of the 2002 Chardonnay Point Rouge has nearly doubled (260 cases). One of California's two or three most extraordinary Chardonnays, it boasts great intensity, huge body, and massive fruit as well as impeccable balance and purity. It offers up honeysuckle, orange marmalade, and sweet, oily citrus notes along with pinpoint precision, good acidity, tremendous purity, and a massive finish that lasts 35-40 seconds. It is a remarkable effort.