2019 Belle Cote Chardonnay
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Tasting notes
The 2019 Chardonnay Belle Cote is more floral than the other bottlings this year, with complex scents of citrus, pine resin, pear and melon. From older vines and several clones, it's medium to full-bodied, generous in feel yet crisp and citrusy on the long, mouthwatering finish.
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James Suckling
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
The 2019 Chardonnay Belle-Côte emerges from the oldest vines on the estate. White flowers, mint, pear, white pepper and citrus give the Belle-Côte a brilliant upper register that really distinguishes it in this lineup. Vivid and sculpted, the Belle-Côte is wonderfully expressive today. I can't wait to taste it with a few years of bottle age. At times, the Belle-Côte has a Riesling-like aromatic presence that is incredibly distinctive.
Aromas of pumice, cooked apple, corn on the cob, light toffee and toasted oak. Praline, too. Medium to full body with peach and mango flavors. Rather exotic. Subtle and flavorful. Zingy. Drink now.
Another estate Knight Valley release, the 2019 Chardonnay Belle-Cote is one of the richer, more powerful Chardonnays in the lineup. Buttered lemon, flower oil, toasted almond, honeysuckle, and brioche are some of the nuances here, and it's full-bodied, with a layered, multi-dimensional mouthfeel, integrated acidity, and a distinct sense of minerality on the finish. It's another rich, concentrated, age-worthy Chardonnay from this team that will have a solid decade of overall longevity.
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.