2017 Chardonnay Cuvee Indigene
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Tasting notes
The 2017 Chardonnay Cuvee Indigene springs from the glass with graceful lemon and pear drops scents followed by wafts of honeycomb, ginger ale, jasmine and nutmeg plus hints of sassafras, fragrant hay and almond croissant. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has impressive elegance for this generally more decadent vintage, featuring loads of mineral and savory sparks and seamless freshness, finishing long and with an edifying perfume. 517 cases were made.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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If it wasn't for the Point Rouge, the 2017 Chardonnay Cuvee Indigene would have been my favorite in this stacked lineup. Coming from a barrel selection from the estate vineyards, it offers an extraordinary bouquet of honeyed citrus, toasted brioche, white flowers, a hint of marine-like salinity, and caramelized apples. This is followed by a full-bodied Chardonnay that has a concentrated mid-palate, building structure and acidity, and a liqueur of rocks-like minerality on the finish. It's a flawlessly put together Chardonnay that's going to benefit from a year or two in bottle and keep for over a decade.
The 2017 Chardonnay Cuvée Indigène is a powerful, dense wine that will appeal most to readers who enjoy big, rich Chardonnays. The most reticent and closed of these 2017s, the Cuvée Indigène is going to need to need at least a few years in the cellar to be at its best. Dried pear, dried citrus peel and sage are some of the many notes that add complexity. Cuvée Indigène is essentially a selection of the oldest Wente Clone Chardonnay from Belle-Côte.
About the producer
Founded in 1983 by Sir Peter Michael CBE and his wife Margaret, Peter Michael Winery produces some of California’s finest wines.