2015 Chardonnay Belle Côte
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Tasting notes
The 2015 Chardonnay Belle-Côte is one of the more reticent of these 2015 Chardonnays. That is probably a very good thing for its long-term prospects, but I would not be tempted to open the 2015 anytime soon. As always, Belle-Côte is a Chardonnay built on minerality and savoriness rather than overt fruit. Bright saline notes punctuate the finish.
Critic scores
James Suckling
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Aromas of mustard flowers, orange flowers, pineapple and lime follow through to a full body. A tight and precise palate with a compressed texture of light tannins. Subtle and fruity finish. Savory and salty at the end. Drink now.
The 2015 Chardonnay Belle Cote has a seriously savory/sweet nose of brioche, beeswax, salty ham and toasted nuts with a core of warm apricots, candied ginger and chalk dust. Medium-bodied, with exquisite harmony and depth, it delivers intense stone fruit and spice flavor layers with a very long, toasty finish. 1,869 cases were made.
Their first planted Chardonnay (small percentage of Wente) vineyard, in 1990. Faces east but on a plateau so quite rich soils. 1,700 ft (518 m) elevation. Some evening shade. Some rain just before flowering so poor set and not that great a yield. Wild yeast, no acid adjustment. Hint of popcorn. (JR)
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.