Description
From his very first visit to California in the 1970s Sir Peter Michael set about finding the perfect spot in which to make his mark on the vinous world. When he found the then-unplanted Sugarloaf Ranch in Knights Valley, he knew immediately that this was the spot and the first vintage was 1987. The rest, as they say, is history. By combining the classic winemaking of the old world and the complexity afforded by Californian Mountain terroir, the unparalleled winemaking team has been graced by some of the finest names in winemaking history. Helen Turley, Mark Aubert and brothers Luc and Nicolas Morlet have all worked at Peter Michael in the past and continue to consult in the present. Nowadays, winemaking is led by Robert Fiore. The estate is going from strength to strength, producing some of the finest wines red and white wines made in California.
As the oldest of the four Peter Michael Winery estate Chardonnay blocks, 'Belle Côte' exemplifies the consistent quality of Chardonnay these mountain vineyards produce. Due to the naturally cool climate of the site’s high elevation, and mitigated exposure to the hot afternoon sun by its south-eastern exposure and a stand of trees on its western border, the vines are allowed to slowly ripen. The growing season for Belle Côte typically extends into October, two to three weeks longer than most Chardonnay vineyards in Napa and Sonoma Counties.
The 2022 Vintage
After an adequate amount of rain in December preceding the 2022 growing season, January and February were both dry which triggered a slightly early budbreak in the Chardonnay vineyards. An early spring frost tempered potential yields. During bloom the weather was highly variable, culminating in an early May storm that brought hail, snow, and rain which dramatically reduced fruit set and ultimately yields for all the Chardonnay blocks. A moderate July was followed by some heat spikes in August and record high temperatures during several days in early September, followed by a temperate last half of September. The Chardonnay harvest began on August 15th and was completed on October 4th.
The depth and complexity of old-vine Chardonnay are showcased in the enticingly expansive orange blossom, white peach, rose petal, and manuka honey nose of the 2022 'Belle Côte' Chardonnay. The rich texture on entry builds to a broad, structured mid-palate with a creamy, viscous mouthfeel with intense orange marmalade flavors and accents of clove and nougat leading to a round, seamless finish. The 2022 'Belle Côte' is a balanced, yet powerful wine that promises to reward several years of cellaring.
| 96-98 | Wine Advocate |
| 94 | Vinous |
96-98/100 Wine Advocate
"I tasted the 2022 Chardonnay Belle Côte from tank shortly before it was due to be bottled. It's lively and generous with singular scents of lemon drop, pie crust and toasted meringue, plus integrated tones of matchstick and allspice. The medium-bodied palate is defined by its lacy, lightly mouth-coating texture. Its deep core of creamy, lemony flavors is enlivened by mouthwatering acidity, and its juxtaposition of depth and energy calls you back for another sip. 1,783 cases will be produced, and the Belle Côte will be released in February of 2024." – Erin Brooks