2006 Peter Michael Sauvignon Blanc L'Apres-Midi
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Tasting notes
(contains 10% semillon) Bright, pale yellow. Vibrant aromas of citrus peel, green apple, gooseberry, mint and crushed stone; I was reminded of Loire Valley chenin and Chablis. Then fat but quite firm in the mouth, with lime, lemon drop and honeysuckle flavors complicated by a metallic whiff (this is fermented in stainless steel and does not go through malolactic fermentation). Almost oily in texture and yet pungently fresh, with a solid spine of acidity running through it. A wine like this could stand in for the sorbet course.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The other white wine is hardly an afterthought at Peter Michael, and fortunately 2,000+ cases are made of their blend of 90% Sauvignon Blanc and 10% Semillon. The 2006 Sauvignon Blanc l’Apres Midi is incredibly perfumed, exhibiting notes of figs, melons, oranges, and lemon grass. Fresh, medium-bodied, and a perfect food wine, this wine should drink nicely for 1-2 years. This 121-acre estate with 114 producing acres of vineyard all located in Knight’s Valley continues to be at the top of their game and I can’t recommend the wines highly enough. I was surprised when I showed up at Peter Michael to find both Nicolas Morlet, who replaced his brother Luc, and Luc Morlet himself, were at my tasting. It seems that Luc is still doing consulting work with his brother firmly entrenched at the winery. This is still one of the best-run wineries in the world, and one might quibble over the fact that there are so many different cuvees of Chardonnay, but they are all subtly different in style/personality. The Morlets proclaimed to me that essentially there is very little difference in the character of the Chardonnays in 2005 and 2006, except they thought the acid levels were slightly higher in 2005 and the 2006s were riper. In any event, these are sensational Chardonnays, and readers couldn’t go wrong no matter which one they buy. Previously recommended: 2005 Sauvignon Blanc l’Apres Midi (93), 2004 Chardonnay Point Rouge (95+), 2004 Chardonnay Mon Plaisir (94), 2004 Chardonnay Ma Belle-Fille (94), 2004 Chardonnay Cuvee Indigene (97), 2004 Chardonnay La Carriere (95), 2004 Chardonnay Belle Cote (95). Tel. (707) 942-3200; Fax (707) 942-0209
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.