2022 Peter Michael Chardonnay Ma Belle Fille
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Tasting notes
The 2022 Chardonnay Ma Belle Fille comes from the highest of the Chardonnay vineyards, a bench just above Mon Plaisir with a more diverse terrain, adding complexity to the wine. In the glass, the wine has a more reserved nature than the Belle Cote, with aromas of melon, toasted spice, candle wax, and fresh flowers. The palate is full and inviting, layered with both treble and bass tones for a more symphonic feel, with a great, long finish. It has both richness and precise, chiseled, fresh acidity, as well as a dewy and slowly tapered finish. 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
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Planted in 1999, the Ma Belle Fille Vineyard contains Peter Michael’s highest elevation Chardonnay vines, planted at 1,700 to 1,900 feet in elevation. The vineyard was hit hard by frost in April, and winemaker Robert Fiore says that some blocks in Ma Belle Fille yielded as little as 0.6 tons per acre. The resulting 2022 Chardonnay Ma Belle Fille is dynamic and expressive. Initial touches of vanilla, allspice and pie crust give way to scents of white peach, green guava and coriander seed as it airs in the glass. The palate offers highly concentrated flavors foiled by mouthwatering acidity, and it has a very long finish laced with tropical flower perfume and latent spicy undertones. It will gain savory complexity in the cellar over the next 10-15 years. 1,040 cases were made.
The 2022 Chardonnay Ma Belle Fille is fabulous. Fruit came in over the course of a month, which might help the wine's complexity and myriad dimensions. Orange blossom, spice, mint, chamomile, spice and kiss of French oak caress the palate. Silky and resonant, with gorgeous layers, the 2022 offers tons of nuance. I especially admire the way it opens with aeration. Brisk acids extend the finish. (AG)
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.