2004 Chardonnay La Carriere
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Tasting notes
The exquisite 2004 Chardonnay La Carriere has gained in stature since I tasted it last year. Luckily, there are about 2,250 cases of this beauty in both 2004 and 2005. Again, crushed rocks, orange marmalade, lemon blossom, white peach, and subtle wood aromas and flavors emerge from this full-bodied, fresh Chardonnay. While extraordinarily rich yet light on its feet, it should drink well for 5-6 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
Medium, slightly hazy yellow. Crystallized citrus peel, underripe pineapple, spices and a whiff of minerals on the nose. Then juicy, sweet and intense, with fruit-driven flavors of peach and nectarine complicated by liquid stone and saline notes. Wonderfully glyceral wine with a very long finish of stone, minerals and peach. This will deepen in pitch as it evolves in bottle.
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.