1999 Peter Michael Chardonnay Point Rouge
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Tasting notes
The limited production Chardonnay Point Rouge represents a selection of the finest barrels. In most years, this is essentially the best barrels of Cuvee Indigene, picked for their extra intensity and complex style. This is routinely one of the three or four finest Chardonnays being produced in California, as well as one of the greatest of the world, as tastings against Burgundy's finest Batard-Montrachets, Chevalier-Montrachets, and Le Montrachets have consistently proven, much to the chagrin of Burgundians. The 1999 Chardonnay Point Rouge is steely, as well as closed and unevolved, but there is no doubting its immense potential. It boasts honeyed citrus, orange, tangerine, liquid mineral, and smoky hazelnut aromas. The liquid minerality evident in the Point Rouge is a prominent characteristic of the better wines from such grand cru Burgundy vineyards as Le Montrachet, Chevalier-Montrachet, and Meursault-Perrieres. The finish lasts for more than 40 seconds. This wine is backward and should have a slow evolution. Anticipated maturity: 2001-2010. Exquisite! (Not yet released) Tel. (707) 942-4459; Fax (707) 942-0209
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Hazy pale yellow color. Knockout nose combines orange marmalade, yellow plum and grilled almond. Large-scaled, sweet and full. Initially came across as rather monolithic but became more perfumed in the mouth as it opened with aeration. Ultimately longer than the Cuvee Indigene, with a subtle, slow-mounting finish. For this limited bottling, the estate selects more glyceral, riper barrels that will support longer aging on the lees and more time in new oak.
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.