2002 Peter Michael Chardonnay Cuvée Indigene
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Tasting notes
Pale yellow, less green than the last few bottlings. Flamboyant nose offers lemon drop, mirabelle, apricot, coconut and vanilla. Then dense, chewy and surprisingly backward in the mouth, despite its extraordinarily opulent, glyceral texture. Broad and tactile but classically dry, with an almost saline impression of extract. Finishes extremely young, chewy and long, with a lingering salty quality. This will make a perfect ringer in a flight of Burgundy grand crus five or six years down the road.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
There are 500 cases of the 2002 Chardonnay Cuvee Indigene, which comes from a parcel of Chardonnay vines made famous by Helen Turley, the Upper Barn/Gauer Ranch, renamed the Alexander Valley Mountain Estate when it was acquired by Jess Jackson. This 2002 exhibits wonderfully buttered orange, brioche, and ripe citrus notes, terrific minerality, and a full-bodied, layered, concentrated, intense style. Like all of these wines, it is brilliantly balanced by zesty acidity that provides a refreshing as well as vigorous personality. (Not yet released) Tel. (707) 942-4459; Fax (707) 942-0209
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.