2023 Chardonnay Point Rouge
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Tasting notes
The 2023 Chardonnay Point Rouge is a selection of 14 barrels, with 60% coming from Belle Cote, 33% from Ma Belle Fille, and the rest from La Carriere. It boasts a bright yellow/straw hue and has a deeper profile, with dark stones, ripe apricots, brûléed citrus, toasted spices, and smoky earth. It’s full-bodied and has more decadence and power, with a rich structure, a broad-shouldered feel on the palate, and a waxy, ripe, long-lasting finish. It has the most intensity of the whites and has the backbone and structure to last. Drink 2026-2040. 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.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2023 Chardonnay Point Rouge floods the senses with expressive layers of peach, papaya, Meyer lemon and jasmine accented by wafts of flint and saline on the nose. The full-bodied palate is hedonistically styled with a luxurious, satiny texture and highly concentrated, complex flavors. Its powerful flavors are structured by taut, energetic acidity, and it has a very long finish. 321 cases were made.
The 2023 Chardonnay Point Rouge captures the essence of the house style. Deep and layered, the 2023 has so much to offer. Dried pear, chamomile, mint, sage and a kiss of French oak all run through this deep, beautifully resonant Chardonnay. The blend is 60% Belle Côte, 33% Ma Belle Fille and 7% La Carrière.
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.