2023 Peter Michael Chardonnay Ma Belle Fille
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Tasting notes
Coming from the highest vineyard site of the Chardonnays, planted between 1999 and 2000, the 2023 Chardonnay Ma Belle Fille has a bright straw/yellow hue. The nose opens to lifted notes of white pepper, quince, poached green apples, and fresh flowers. The palate is full but nimble, with a more mid-weight feel. It’s finessed and is long on the palate, with an elegant, silky texture. 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
James Suckling
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
The 2023 Chardonnay Ma Belle Fille has slowly opening scents of Meyer lemon, panna cotta, orange blossom, saline and well-matched, seamlessly integrated oak spice. The full-bodied palate is silky and energetic, its highly concentrated flavors foiled by taut acidity, and it has a long, layered finish. 2,082 cases were made.
So delicious and drinkable from the first whiff to the lingering finish. An uber-chardonnay that packs in all the richness of fruit and smooth spiciness of oak fermentation, with vibrant acidity and a silky texture. Well balanced in a cool, ideal vintage and a great candidate for aging longer term. Drinkable now and best from 2030.
The 2023 Chardonnay Ma Belle Fille offers a beguiling mix of aromatics, fruit and structure. Dried pear, crushed flowers, mint, white pepper, slate and dried herbs all race across the palate. Strong mineral and graphite notes emerge with coaxing to round things out. This needs time.
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.