98-99 Point Wines

wines

Attractive aromas of dried lemon zest, pear skin, crushed chalk and almonds. Hint of beeswax and pollen. It’s medium-to full-bodied with crisp acidity. Elegant and refined with lingering crushed stone on a very long finish. Beautiful. Drink or hold.James Suckling | 98 JSAn eastern-facing slope on white, dusty soil, this vineyard is the latest of the Peter Michael Chardonnay vineyards to ripen each year. The site is planted mainly to Old Wente and See clone selections with a little Rued clone. Planted in 1990, these are the oldest vines on the estate. The 2018 Chardonnay Belle Cote opens with earthy notions of crushed rocks and chalk dust over a core of fresh apricots, Golden Delicious apples and honeydew melon with a fragrant touch of jasmine. The medium to full-bodied palate is both intense and refreshing, not skimping on the silkiness of the texture and delivering a good, long, zesty finish. 3,151 cases were made.Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 97+ RPThe 2018 Chardonnay Belle-Côte from the oldest vines on the property (planted in 1990), possesses dazzling mineral intensity to match its mid-weight, delineated personality. Lemon peel, pear, mint, white pepper and sage all develop in the glass. The clonal mix here is See, old Wente and Rued, with the floral top notes of Rued (that recall Riesling) especially evident, even if Rued comprises the smallest part of the blend.Vinous Media | 96 VMAn extremely ripe expression of Chardonnay with a distinctive new world expressiveness of sweet, sun-kissed, tropical fruit. It has the power if not the innate elegance of others in the line-up, but is hugely appealing as an immediate drinking wine.Decanter Magazine | 91 DECSleek, with steely, minerally details to the green apple and Asian pear flavors. The spicy finish features savory notes, accented by honeyed hints. Drink now through 2023. 3,151 cases made. — KMWine Spectator | 90 WS

Lots of cherries and strawberries with notes of orange peel, mushrooms and crushed raspberries. Full-bodied with tight, tannic power in the center-palate. Long and fresh. Vivid. Spicy at the end. This has fantastic energy. Drink or hold.James Suckling | 99 JSThe 2019 Pinot Noir Ma Danseuse is up with the crème de la crème of the vintage. Coming from the Fort Ross-Seaview appellation, its translucent ruby hue is followed by a medium to full-bodied Pinot Noir that’s loaded with gorgeous strawberry and black cherry fruits as well as ripe, polished tannins, a layered, deep, concentrated mid-palate, loads of spice and dried flower nuances, and an opulent yet also pure and precise style that’s a joy to drink. It will keep for a solid decade.Jeb Dunnuck | 97 JDThe 2019 Pinot Noir Ma Danseuse is laced with the essence of dark cherry/plum fruit, with hints of sage, mint lavender and earthiness that add character. The tannins are pretty incisive at this stage, but a few years in bottle should do the trick. This is another impressive wine from Peter Michael.Vinous Media | 96 VMMedium ruby-purple in color, the 2019 Ma Danseuse gallops out with energetic notions of ripe, juicy raspberries, black cherries, and pomegranate, plus suggestions of wild sage, lavender, crushed rocks, and sea spray. Full-bodied, the palate has a firm texture of very fine-grained tannins and tons of red and black berry layers, finishing long and mineral-laced.The Wine Independent | 96 TWIScents of roses, black tea and black cherries appear on the nose of the 2019 Pinot Noir Ma Danseuse. This bottling is on the slightly fuller-bodied side (14.4% alcohol) but by no means overweight, with a wonderfully plush, silky texture and tremendous length on the finish.Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 94 RPSleek, powerful and savory, with fresh acidity to the dried dark currant, black olive and berry flavors that show light toastiness. Forest floor accents midpalate linger on the finish with focused tannins and minerality. Drink now through 2026. 1,174 cases made.Wine Spectator | 94 WS

The 2020 Chardonnay Belle Côte, matured for 12 months in about 40% new French oak, explodes with singular aromas of ginger, lemongrass and Meyer lemon with streaks of flint and dried herbs. The medium-bodied palate is just as intense, offering highly concentrated fruit, seamless acidity, expansive, spicy flavors and a finish that goes on and on. Ultra concentrated and perfumed, the Belle Côte is especially expressive this vintage. 2,782 cases were made.Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 98 RPThe aromas of the 2020 Chardonnay Belle-Côte are more herbaceous and move into bright green apple and a very pleasant smokiness. The texture is silky, with Corton-like richness, yet it has levity. Drink over the next 10 or more years.Jeb Dunnuck | 97 JDThis is an open and thoroughly satisfying young chardonnay, with sliced dried apple, pineapple, lemon zest and honey suckle. Full-bodied with plenty of chardonnay character that evolves on the palate to white-spice and gunpowder undertones. Pine needles, too. A fantastic Belle-Cote for the vintage. Drinkable now, but better in a few years.James Suckling | 97 JSThe 2020 Belle Cote was tasted as a barrel sample. It needs a little coaxing to reveal elegant scents of lemon tart, lime leaves, and fresh nectarines with hints of green guava, spice cake, and powdered ginger. Full-bodied, the palate is concentrated with pleasant oiliness and just enough freshness, finishing spicy. The grapes were harvested on 23 September.The Wine Independent | 94-96 TWIShows salted butterscotch, peach and tangerine flavors that are polished and focused, with lemon blossom, poached pear and candied ginger notes on a plush, elegant frame. Features a fresh edge of acidity. Drink now through 2032. 2,782 cases made. Wine Spectator | 93 WS