2018 Ma Belle Fille Chardonnay
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Tasting notes
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. The 2018 Chardonnay Ma Belle Fille comes skipping out of the glass with vibrant, youthful scents of lemon tart, mandarin peel, green mango and crystalline citrus peel with emerging nuances of wet slate, candle wax and freshly cracked hazelnut. Medium to full-bodied, the palate features a satiny sheen and a wicked backbone of freshness galvanizing the mineral and citrusy flavors into an electrifying finish. 2,174 cases were made.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
There’s a lot going on here, with aromas of dried pineapple, citrus zest, charred toast, hazelnut and chamomile. It’s medium-to full-bodied with crisp acidity. Creamy, almost chewy layers of ripe and dried fruit. Concentrated and refined. Foursquare. Drink or hold.
The 2018 Chardonnay Ma Belle-Fille is dense, powerful and tightly wound. I would give it a few years to come together. Ripe apricot, orange confit, baked apple tart and wild flowers infuse the 2018 with notable complexity to match its dense, packed personality.
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.