2021 Chardonnay Cuvee Indigene
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 2021 Chardonnay Cuvée Indigène is a barrel selection of some of the best blocks from across the Peter Michael property and was matured in barrel for 15 months, a touch longer than the single-vineyard wines. It has pure, alluring scents of white peach, fresh quince, meringue, flint and citrusy top notes, and each return to the glass reveals deeper aromatic nuances. The palate is incredibly seamless, its silky texture and bright acidity striking an effortless balance. It has a concentrated core of highly perfumed fruit—deep yet weightless—and finishes with stunning definition and layering. Young yet obviously world-class, this Chardonnay has tremendous aging potential and may reach a "perfect" apex in time. 550 cases were made.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2021 Chardonnay Cuvée Indigene is another of the more understated wines in this lineup. Floral and spice notes open first, followed by hints of tropical fruit, apricot and orange jam that appear later. Time in the glass brings out the wine's inner sweetness and mid-palate pliancy. I especially admire the vibrancy here. La Belle Côte, Ma Bell File and a touch of La Carrière.
The 2021 Chardonnay Cuvee Indigene takes on more layered and savory aromas, including a delicate bit of flinty wet stone and salted pineapple, with its oak spice blending well into the fabric of the wine. Full-bodied, with a rich, rounded texture and notes of orange oil, hazelnut, and ripe Anjou pear, it’s long on the palate and one of the richest whites in the lineup. Drink 2023-2033. Sir Peter Michael founded his eponymous winery in 1982, inspired by the wine of Chateau Montelena, which led him to California. In 2020, Robert Fiore took the helm as winemaker, while former winemaker Luc Morlet remains as a consultant. Robert studied at the Colorado School of Mines, which led him to a career in environmental geophysics before finding his path into the world of wine. He went on to UC Davis to study Viticulture and Enology. Most recently, Robert was a member of the winemaking team at Continuum in Napa. Vineyard manager Javier Avina has championed the land since 1991. Each of the sites are steep hillsides in Knights Valley that modulate with varied exposition and soils. Sir Peter’s son Paul and his wife Emily oversee the management of the winery today.
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.