2018 Chardonnay Cuvee Indigene
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Tasting notes
Cuvee Indigene is a top barrel selection of the Belle Cote vineyard with some fruit from Ma Belle Fille and Mon Plaisir. Winemaking consultant Luc Morlet mentioned that this label is intended to capture the richer side of Chardonnay each vintage, emphasized by the majority use of Old Wente clone. This wine gets 15 months in barrel—a bit longer aging than the other wines. The 2018 Chardonnay Cuvee Indigene has wonderfully fragrant notes of lemongrass, lime leaves and orange blossoms that slowly emerge from the glass, giving way to a core of yellow apples and fresh pears with hints of struck flint and wet pebbles. The medium to full-bodied palate fills the mouth with perfumed citrus and apple flavors, supported a refreshing line, finishing long and chalky. Still quite closed, put this one aside for a good 2-3 years and then watch it blossom over the next 12-15 years+. 516 cases were made.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2018 Chardonnay Cuvée Indigène is a barrel selection from Belle-Côte, the oldest parcel on the property. Shy and elusive, the 2018 is another wine that is going to need a few years to come together. Even with all of its power, the 2018 has great energy. Hints of lemon peel, almond, flower and crushed rocks infuse the finish with notable character.
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.