2020 Peter Michael, Ma Belle-Fille, Knights Valley, Bottle (750ml)

RP97 Matured for 12 months in about 40% new French oak, the 2020 Chardonnay Ma Belle Fille gains aromatic intensity as it spends time in the glass, segueing from matchstick, nutmeg and panna cotta to wafts of honey, apricot, lilac and lemon peel. Medium-bodied and ultra silky, it expands in the mouth from bright citrus to more savory, honeyed fruits. It offers generous, juicy acidity and a very long, ethereal finish. Still flaunting a touch of new-oak character, it will benefit from a couple years in bottle or some time in the decanter. 1,636 cases were made.

LP97 The 2020 Ma Belle-Fille gallops out with energetic notes of warm grapefruit, juicy peaches, and honeydew melon, plus wafts of fallen leaves, allspice, and orange blossom. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers impressive structure with a satiny texture and bold freshness supporting the generous stone fruit and apple flavors, finishing on a lingering gingery note.

JD97 The nose of the 2020 Chardonnay Ma Belle-Fille is layered with fresh and citrus tones, with lime blossom, white flowers, and lemon pith. The mouthfeel is stony and has more tension while still having a classic viscous feel.Sir Peter Michael founded his eponymous winery in 1982, after having been inspired by the wine of Chateau Montelena, which led him to California. In 2020, Robert Fiore took the helm as winemaker, but the previous 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 that modulate with varied exposition and soils in the Knights Valley. Sir Peter’s son Paul and his wife Emily oversee the management of the winery