2022 Chardonnay Mon Plaisir

The Mon Plaisir comes mainly from a more sun-exposed bench, just a bit higher than La Carriere, with vines over 20 years old. In the glass, the 2022 Chardonnay Mon Plaisir is a similar bright yellow hue, but the aromatics on the nose are dramatically different, revealing notes of river rock, orange rind, white pepper, and a touch of melon. Full-bodied, it fills the palate with a more expansive feel, with a lush and inviting, rich texture and a long-lasting finish. It’s approachable and inviting now, though it will improve over the next several years. Drink 2026-2036. Sir Peter Michael founded his eponymous winery in 1982, inspired by the wine of Chateau Montelena, which led him to California. In 2020, Robert Fiore took the helm as winemaker, while former winemaker Luc Morlet remains as a consultant. Robert studied at the Colorado School of Mines, which led him to a career in environmental geophysics before finding his path into the world of wine. He went on to UC Davis to study Viticulture and Enology. Most recently, Robert was a member of the winemaking team at Continuum in Napa. Vineyard manager Javier Avina has championed the land since 1991. Each of the sites are steep hillsides in Knights Valley that modulate with varied exposition and soils. Sir Peter’s son Paul and his wife Emily oversee the management of the winery today.