2004 Chardonnay Cuvee Indigene
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
Honeysuckle, pear, peach, litchi nut, and creme brulee characteristics are present in the opulent, full-bodied 2004 Chardonnay Cuvee Indigene (528 cases produced). Tasting like a grand cru white Burgundy, this gorgeous cuvee is produced from the renowned Gauer Ranch vineyard made famous by Helen Turley during the decade of the nineties. It should drink well for 7-8 years. 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
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Good pale yellow with a green tinge. Complex, soil-inflected nose currently shows more smoked meat, nuts and vanillin oak than primary fruits; quite Burgundian. Then fat, musky and sweet, with compelling density of pineapple, peach and baking spice flavors. This has extraordinary volume and complexity. Finishes with a tactile dusty stone quality and almost painful persistence. It will be fascinating to compare this wine to the lusher and perhaps softer 2003 over the next seven or eight years.
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.