2019 Coeur a Coeur
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Tasting notes
A blend of 50% Sauvignon Blanc and 50% Semillon, the 2019 Coeur à Coeur gives up exuberant aromas of green papaya skin, lemon balm, and beeswax. The palate is zippy and fresh, with white grapefruit, tarragon, and white peach, followed by a long finish and saline minerality. Drink over the next 15 or more years. Sir Peter Michael founded his eponymous winery in 1982, after having been inspired by the wine of Chateau Montelena, which led him to California. In 2020, Robert Fiore took the helm as winemaker, but the previous 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 that modulate with varied exposition and soils in the Knights Valley. Sir Peter’s son Paul and his wife Emily oversee the management of the winery today.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
A 50-50 blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, the 2019 Coeur a Coeur is all barrel fermented but with the malolactic fermentation blocked to help preserve freshness. While the aromas are slightly greenish, with hints of boxwood and pea shoots overlaid on fig and melon, it's medium to full-bodied, plump and creamy across the mid-palate, then finishes long and lush, with a luxurious touch of vanilla.
The 2019 Coeur à Coeur is a blend of equal parts Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc. Tightly wound and focused, the 2019 shows the new direction at Peter Michael these last few years, a style that focuses more on energy rather than opulence. The 2019 has the depth and vigor to develop well in bottle for many years to come. Hints of apricot, pear, chamomile and dried flowers linger on the layered finish.
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.