2016 Ma Belle Fille Chardonnay

The 2016 Chardonnay Ma Belle Fille slowly unfurls in the glass to reveal vibrant key lime pie, lemongrass, pink grapefruit and white peaches scents with suggestions of crushed stones, clotted cream, almond croissant and orange blossoms. Medium to full-bodied and with a fantastic intensity of citrus and stone fruit layers giving way to loads of mineral accents, it finishes long and creamy. 1,650 cases produced.

From a western slope that sees the morning sun, the 2016 Chardonnay Ma Belle-Fille is a smoking effort. White peach, apple, white flowers, tangerine, and ample spice notes all emerge from this richer, concentrated, opulent hedonistic Chardonnay that has notable acidity and a pure, elegant finish. Located north of Napa Valley, in the Knights Valley AVA of Sonoma, Peter Michael utilizes the incredible talent of Frenchman Nicolas Morlet (whose brother Luc runs Morlet Estate in Napa, and was previously the winemaker at Peter Michael). These classic, traditionally made wines certainly have an old world feel/style, yet never lose their California soul. They produce two brilliant Bordeaux Blanc look-alikes, a bevy of Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs, and three Bordeaux blends. It can be a complex lineup to wrap your head around, but the cuvees show singular characters and the quality is off the charts.

The 2016 Chardonnay Ma Belle-Fille is one of the more reticent wines in the range. Like all of the 2016s at Peter Michael, Ma Belle Fille is tightly wound, perhaps a reflection of the high altitude (the highest on the property) of the 12 parcels that inform the blend. A host of bright saline notes add freshness to the natural richness of these old Wente Chardonnay clones.