2017 Peter Michael Chardonnay Belle Cote
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 2017 Chardonnay Belle Cote (composed of Rued clone and Old Wente) grows exponentially on the nose and, with swirling, achieves a crescendo of fresh pineapple, lemon meringue pie, key lime and pink grapefruit with wafts of lychees, rose oil, allspice and tangerine peel. Full-bodied, the palate is wonderfully nuanced with loads of subtle savory and citrus layers and a lively line of freshness cutting through the creamy texture, finishing on lingering praline and brioche-inspired notes. 2,194 cases were made.
Critic scores
James Suckling
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Lovely green apples and pears with attractive cream and light bread-dough undertones. Some white peaches. Full-bodied. Dense and solid with grand-cru Burgundy sensibility. So amazing, long and seamless. Goes on for minutes. Will age beautifully. Drink or hold.
Flirting with perfection, the 2017 Chardonnay Belle-Cote is a thrilling, magical Chardonnay that ranks with the crème de la crème of the vintage. A huge nose of crushed rocks, lemon curd, brioche, and toast all flow to a full Chardonnay that has a deep, concentrated, layered style on the palate. It's one of those rich and powerful yet weightless wines, and it has terrific acidity, purity of fruit, and length. It will be better with another year or two of bottle age.
The 2017 Chardonnay Belle-Côte emerges from the oldest vines on the property, planted in 1990, and is a mix of three clones: See, Wente and Rued. The Belle- Côte is distinguished in this range by its powerful, phenolic personality and overall density. The 2017 is a big wine that needs time in the cellar to be at its best.
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.