2009 Belle Cote Chardonnay

The 2009 Chardonnay Belle-Cote is once again decidedly extroverted. Layers of rich tropical fruit, passion fruit flowers and pistachio are some of the notes that take shape in the glass. The aromas and flavors are quite intense, but texturally, the wine less interesting as elements of heaviness are present.

The 2009 Chardonnay Belle-Cote is once again decidedly extroverted. Layers of rich tropical fruit, passion fruit flowers and pistachio are some of the notes that take shape in the glass. The aromas and flavors are intense, but texturally, the wine is less interesting, as elements of heaviness are present. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2021. I tasted a large number of wines at Peter Michael. Overall, the 2009 reds made the most positive impression on this visit. The 2009 Chardonnays are very strong. I am less enamored with the 2010 Chardonnays, as they clearly show the ill-effects of a challenging growing season, which at Peter Michael yielded very concentrated whites with slightly higher than normal alcohol levels and an element of heaviness that is out of character. Winemaker Nick Morlet describes 2010 as a difficult year. Bud break was a full month late. High winds and rain during the flowering resulted in high amounts of shatter and yields that are dramatically lower than normal. Morlet describes 2009 as a vintage where everything ripened quickly and at the same time. This lineup includes several wines that are being released for the first time, including a trio of Pinot Noirs from estate-owned coastal vineyards planted in 2006 and 2007. It will be fascinating to see how those wines develop as the vines acquire age. The newest wine in the ever-expanding Peter Michael stable is a new Cabernet Sauvignon from the former Showket vineyard that will make its debut with the 2011 vintage and that will be called Le Chevalier. I hope to taste it soon. I tasted the 2010 Chardonnays and Pinots from barrel. Those wines were scheduled to be bottled in February 2012. The 2009 Chardonnays and Pinots were bottled in late January/early February 2011. Tel. (800) 354-4459; www.petermichaelwinery.com

Green-gold. Ripe melon and peach on the nose, with notes of honey and toasty lees adding an impression of richness. Fleshy and expansive on the palate, displaying dense pit fruit and honeydew flavors and a late note of candied orange. Finishes smooth and broad, with lingering spiciness and a hint of allspice.