2004 Peter Michael Chardonnay Ma Belle Fille
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Tasting notes
There is a greenish hue to the medium straw/light gold color of the 2004 Chardonnay Ma Belle-Fille (1,500 cases produced). Revealing an almost tannic character (unusual for Chardonnay), along with good richness and fatness, it is a firm-structured, stony/mineral-dominated, closed effort. Previously recommended: 2003 Chardonnay Belle Cote (94), 2003 Chardonnay La Carriere (97), 2003 Chardonnay Cuvee Indigene (95), 2003 Chardonnay Ma Belle-Fille (93), 2003 Chardonnay Mon Plaisir (94), 2003 Chardonnay Point Rouge (97), 2003 L’Esprit des Pavots (90), 2003 Les Pavots (94), 2003 Pinot Noir Le Moulin Rouge (93). Tel. (707) 942-3200; Fax (707) 942-0209
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Bright, pale yellow-green color. Deeply pitched nose offers apricot and tropical fruits, complicated by flint, smoke and flowers. Big, rich and mouthfilling; thick but not heavy. Boasts superb sweetness of fruit and a seamless, round texture. Finishes with considerable power, outstanding length and a subtle smoky minerality.
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.