California Wines

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The 2012 Pinot Noir Marcassin Vineyard lags the Chardonnay but is still a brilliant wine. Framboise, black cherries, strawberries, forest floor, and earthy nuances all emerge from this Burgundian, layered, powerful 2012 that has loads of sweet fruit. Brought up in new French oak, it doesn't show a hint of oak, has full-bodied richness and depth, and a great, great finish. Drink it anytime over the coming 10-15 years.Jeb Dunnuck | 97 JDThe 2012 Pinot Noir Marcassin Vineyard, which comes primarily from the Calera clone (although I suspect there are a few mystery clones in their plantings), always seems to remind me of a grand cru from Burgundy’s Côte de Nuits, particularly Morey-St.-Denis. Dense ruby/plum, its sweet nose of strawberries, black cherry liqueur, fresh porcini mushrooms and forest floor is followed by a dark, full-bodied, rich and concentrated wine that is supple, dramatic, and even flamboyant. Drink it over the next 12-15 years.Robert Parker | 97 RP

The 2013 Insignia (their 40th vintage) is a blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, and the rest Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. This wine is aged 24 months in 100% new French oak barrels, and the production can vary from just over 10,000 cases to nearly 20,000 cases in a very abundant vintage. There were 12,300 cases produced in 2013, and this vintage of Insignia is certainly going to turn out to be one of the great ones. The wine offers a stunning inky blue/purple color, a gorgeous nose of blueberry and blackberry liqueur, pen ink, graphite, new saddle leather and barrique. The wine has fabulous concentration, a full-bodied, multi-layered mouthfeel, and tremendous finish with moderate tannin. It’s interesting to note that the Phelps winemaking staff had been gradually reducing the amount of Merlot in this wine over recent vintages. The 2013 should hit its peak in 5-7 years and last for 35-50.Robert Parker | 98+ RPThe mighty Insignia shows a vibrancy of purpose and craft in this, its 40th vintage, combining 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, 3% Merlot, 3% Malbec and 1% Cabernet Franc. Together they find a higher calling of perfumed violet, dark plum and berry along with graphite and an edginess of dried herb. Firm, structured tannins show tremendous potential for aging and decanting. This is a near-perfect effort from a blockbuster vintage.Wine Enthusiast | 98 WEThe 2013 Insignia is just as magnificent as it has always been. Refined and polished to the core, but with all of the power of the vintage, the 2013 simply has it all. Crème de cassis, lavender, plum and exotic spices infuse this deeply expressive edition of the Phelps flagship wine. The 2013 is remarkably silky for such a big wine.Vinous Media | 97 VMLovely, with a mouthfilling core of perfectly melded açaí, blackberry and mulberry fruit flavors inlaid with alder, black tea and dried anise. Long finish, with a subtle graphite spine for support as the fruit keeps the upper hand. Displays exemplary precision and focus. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Blind 2013 California Cabernet retrospective (February 2023). Drink now through 2036. 12,300 cases made.Wine Spectator | 96 WSExtravagant aromas of crushed blackberries, mint, eucalyptus and flint. Full body, round and velvety textured. Rich and flavorful finish. Lusciousness with form. Reserved palate. Very attractive now but better in 2020.James Suckling | 95 JSInsignia has been built as a regional blend since its first vintage in 1974, becoming an estate-grown wine in 2004. It’s based on cabernet sauvignon grown in six vineyards, from Suscol in the south to sites in Oak Knoll, Stags Leap and Rutherford, up to Phelps’s Spring Valley Home Ranch in St. Helena. Ashley Hepworth has fine-tuned the style, so Insignia is still a rich wine, but now, especially in 2013, shows the kind of firmness of structure that makes the richness profound. This vintage is fresh and lively, even while it is dense and powerful, as if the power is coming out of the black raspberry fruit as well as the bright, sparkling-fresh mineral tones of the tannins. Delicious now if you give it several hours in a decanter, this is destined to evolve into a classic.Wine & Spirits Magazine | 95 W&SInsignia is typically blended around a backbone of Stags Leap District AVA fruit (40% in this vintage), with Southern Napa, Rutherford, Oak Knoll and St Helena making up the balance. It spends 24 months in 100% French oak, and in this vintage the blend is 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, 3% Merlot, 3% Malbec and 1% Cabernet Franc. The warm 2013 vintage has given ripe black fruit on a supple, forward palate, the lengthy finish framed by granular tannins. Drinking Window 2020 - 2050.Decanter | 94 DEC

Another perfect wine from Ann Colgin and her winemaking team is the 2013 IX Proprietary Red Estate, a blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 8% Petit Verdot. An absolutely compelling wine, with notes of lead pencil shavings, spring flowers, blueberry, blackberry and cassis, it has the full smorgasbord of black and blue fruits, wonderfully integrated, toasty oak, acidity and tannin, a floral note that is unmistakable, and great richness, density and purity. It is an utterly exceptional wine and a tribute to not only a great vineyard, but impeccable winemaking and upbringing. It should drink well for 30+ years as well.Robert Parker | 100 RPI probably would have rated the 2012 IX Estate a triple-digit score if it hadn’t been followed by this otherworldly 2013 IX Estate. One of the finest wines to ever pass my lips, this insanely good effort offers a complex, layered bouquet of darker currants, white truffle, iron, tobacco, graphite, and lead pencil. Possessing more than a passing resemblance to the 2009 Château Latour, it’s full-bodied, has a deep, concentrated mouthfeel, gorgeous tannins, and a great, great finish. It doesn’t get any better, and this legendary Napa Valley red can be drunk any time over the coming three decades or more.Jeb Dunnuck | 100 JDDeep garnet-black in color, the 2013 IX Estate needs a LOT of swirling to begin to bring out notes of beef dripping, charcuterie, garrigue, mossy tree bark, and black truffles, giving way to a muted core of stewed plums, blackcurrant pastilles, candied violets, and dried mulberries. The full-bodied palate explodes with a powerhouse of black fruits and earthy layers, framed by super velvety tannins and amazing tension, finishing very long and multilayered. It needs time!The Wine Independent | 100 TWIThe 2013 IX Estate is a wild, exotic wine. In a sense, it marries the savory aromatic intensity of the Tychson Hill with the fruit richness found in the Cariad. It is another wine that has aged impeccably. There’s plenty of mountain tannin and savoriness, along with the underlying structure to age well for many years to come. In a word: magnificent!Vinous Media | 99 VMThe aromas to this are perfect with black truffle, sage, blueberry and wet earth. Changes all the time. Full body with lots of richness and fruit. The intensity is electric. Chewy tannins yet polished and silky. It lasts for minutes on the palate. A joy to taste (drink) now but it’s made for long-term aging.James Suckling | 98 JSThis has an exotic edge, with a burst of chocolate-covered açaí berry leading off, followed quickly by plum and blackberry puree flavors. Delivers a deeply buried cast iron note, but feels overall open and very friendly through the finish, with a kiss of sweet toast and a flash of Black Forest cake. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Blind 2013 California Cabernet retrospective (February 2023). Drink now through 2034. 1,880 cases made.Wine Spectator | 94 WSIn this vintage, Cabernet Sauvignon formed small berries with thick skins, so the wines inevitably were powerful and tannic. Plums and blackcurrants dominate the nose, which also shows mocha tones. Plump, opulent, and very concentrated, this is nonetheless not overblown. It’s still taut and youthful, with firm tannins. Assertive, it packs a punch and has a long finish.Decanter Magazine | 94 DEC

I love the 2012, but honestly the 2013 just has the edge, because it is just as concentrated and full of fruit but acidity and floral nuance balances out the richness. Dark deep rosemary spice and black olive paste deepens the flavours through the mid-palate and you just have to hang on as this goes spiralling through, drawing the flavours out to a lengthy finish. 2% Malbec, 6% Petit Verdot completes the blend. 18 days skin contact.Decanter | 100 DECThe greatest Opus ever. Terrific aromas of crushed black currants, blueberries, and flowers with hints of sweet tobacco. Roses continue to exude opulence and class. Full body, superb balance of ultra-fine tannins and vibrant acidity. Complex aftertaste of black fruits and citrus fruit. Extremely persistent. So approachable now and enjoyable. But will be even better in 2019 and beyond. 79% cabernet sauvignon, 7% cabernet franc, 6% merlot, 6% petit verdot, 2% malbec. This will always be beautiful to drink. | 100 JSThe 2013 Opus One, a blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 6% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and Malbec, is a beauty. Velvety textured, without a had edge to be found, notes of crème de cassis, blueberry, subtle wood and floral notes gently rise from the wine’s dense purple color. Beautifully full-bodied and extraordinarily elegant and pure, this is certainly one of their great achievements over the last 37 years. The wine has an exquisite finish and can be drunk now or cellared for 25-30 years.Robert Parker | 97+ RPThe 2013 is a powerhouse. Dense, heady and massively structured, the 2013 is impossibly young. Huge swaths of tannin wrap around a core of intense dark red fruit in this potent, brooding wine. Graphite, smoke, cedar and tobacco run through this virile, statuesque wine. The wine’s sheer youthful intensity is truly remarkable. I wouldn’t dream of touching a bottle before age ten, and even that may not be enough. The 2013 Opus One is shaping up to be an iconic wine.Antonio Galloni | 97 AGSeductive from the get-go, with a supple entry to the layers of complexity, mixing flavors of mocha, currant, plum, licorice, spice and cedary oak. Well-proportioned, showing a grip of fine-grained tannins that will benefit from cellaring. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Drink now through 2028. 26,400 cases made.Wine Spectator | 92 WS

CIX stands for 109, because this was originally called “Parcel 109” when Aubert bought the vineyard. Planted in 2008 to Montrachet clone, the 2018 Chardonnay CIX Estate is wonderfully intense, exploding from the glass with lime cordial, apricot and mandarin peel scents of citrus, followed by suggestions of jasmine, honey toast and marzipan with a touch of coriander seed. The full-bodied palate is jam-packed with expressive citrus and stone fruit layers, framed by an electric line of freshness and finishing long with amazing purity and precision.Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 99 RPAnother Sonoma Coast release, the 2018 Chardonnay CIX just about knocks it out of the park, offering a medium/lighter gold hue, a huge nose of ripe pineapple, caramelized pears, flower oil, nectarines, and salty minerality, full-bodied richness, integrated acidity, and a stunning finish. It’s everything you expect from a Chardonnay from Mark Aubert – stunning purity, opulence paired with freshness, incredible length, and flawless balance. Drink it over the coming decade.Jeb Dunnuck | 99 JDLots of ripe-nectarine, lemon-curd, dried-mango and smoked-cashew aromas. Salted butter notes. Ash, too. It’s full-bodied, creamy and smooth with a gradual and graceful evolution of ripe fruit to stone and flint on the finish. Solid density. Agile. Better in a year or two.James Suckling | 98 JSThe 2018 Chardonnay CIX Vineyard is a seamless, gorgeous beauty. Orchard fruit, mint, white pepper and floral notes all run through this super-expressive, alluring Chardonnay from Mark Aubert. In the glass, the CIX is understated and nuanced rather than overt. I find it absolutely mesmerizing.Vinous Media | 94-97 VMRestrained but immediately compelling, pretty, creamy nose. The palate dismisses the dairy notes and becomes immediately more flavourful, the acidity growing in intensity and driving through to a long, succulent finish. A beautiful dance between softness and power. This wine truly appeals to me on both a personal and professional level – well crafted and deliciously delivered.Decanter | 97 DECFeatures a steely structure, with concentrated freshly cut apple, brioche and Asian pear flavors, supported by crunchy acidity. Pure and minerally midpalate, offering a long finish that echoes with subtle sea salt and chamomile accents. Best from 2022 through 2027. 1,085 cases made.Wine Spectator | 95 WS

Lauren Vineyard (named after Mark Aubert’s daughter) is planted to four different clones: two Old Wente clones, Mount Eden and Corton-Charlemagne. The 2018 Chardonnay Lauren Estate comes barreling out of the glass with a knock-out nose of juicy nectarines, ripe Bosc pears and honeydew melon, backed up by nuances of butterscotch, crystalized ginger, pie crust and honeycomb. Full-bodied, rich, spicy and so, so seductive, the palate is as opulent as it is impeccably poised, finishing with epic length and depth.Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 100 RPDried apricot, lemon zest, hawthorn and smoke on the nose. It’s full-bodied with concentrated dried and ripe fruit, interlaced with smoke and toast and balanced by tangy acidity. Lots of crushed gravel, too, before an oily finish. Dense and reflective, yet intense and energetic at the end. From the oldest vines of Aubert. Greatest American Chardonnay ever? Drink or hold.James Suckling | 100 JSThe 2018 Chardonnay Lauren Vineyard, from vines planted in 1993, is the wine that, for me, brings together all the best elements of the Aubert style. Nuanced and silky, the 2018 is pure class from the very first taste. Lemon oil, white flowers and mint accents add complexity, but there is something about the wine’s textural feel that just elevates it.Vinous Media | 95-98 VMRefined, with vibrant acidity backing the precise white fruit and spice flavors. Pure midpalate, showing minerally nuances. The finish lingers with lithe, savory richness. Drink now through 2027. 1,035 cases made.Wine Spectator | 95 WS

The second vintage of this wine, the 2018 Chardonnay Powder House comes from eight acres of what are now estate-owned vines planted in 2013 to Hyde Old Wente and Mt. Eden clones on Goldridge soils. The vineyard is located in downtown Forestville, right across from the high school. It bursts with tantalizing notions of peaches and cream, orange sherbet and lemon pastilles giving way to a grounded, serious core of Bosc pears, beeswax and baking bread. Full-bodied with a gorgeous creaminess to the texture, it delivers loads of citrus sparks among the stone fruit background with a lively backbone and very long finish. 1,000 cases were made.Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 99 RPThe first vintage of this cuvée I’ve been able to taste (it was first made in 2017), the 2018 Chardonnay Powder House comes from a site on the Sonoma Coast and is from a mix of old Wente and Mt. Eden clones. Its lighter gold hue is followed by a beautiful bouquet of white flowers, honeyed white peach, nectarines, and mint. It’s a classic Aubert Chardonnay, with clean, pure, complex aromatics, full-bodied richness, bright acidity, and a stunning sense of opulence pared with freshness. Drink bottles over the coming 7-8 years.Jeb Dunnuck | 97 JDSmoky richness accents the concentrated apple and peach pastry flavors, supported by steely acidity. Luscious spiciness emerges midpalate, with a long finish that lingers with intense minerality and sea salt details. Best from 2022 through 2027. 946 cases made.Wine Spectator | 96 WSLots of aromas and flavors of lime zest and lime curd, dried pineapple, hawthorn and crushed hazelnut. Full-bodied and oily on the palate with lingering notes of lime and flint. Tight ending, but keeps going. Drink or hold.James Suckling | 96 JSThe 2018 Chardonnay Powder House is a bit nervous today. Bright mineral notes give the 2018 a good bit of energy and tension to drive the citrus and floral flavors. I am really looking forward to tasting the 2018 after bottling, as I imagine it will be a bit more relaxed.Vinous Media | 92-95 VM

The 2018 Chardonnay UV-SL springs from the glass with wonderfully intense notes of candied orange peel, pink grapefruit and white peaches with suggestions of crème caramel and spice cake plus compelling sparks of yuzu zest and wet pebbles. The full-bodied palate is remarkably elegant with a gorgeous satiny texture and fantastic tension delivering a very long, energetic finish.Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 98 RPIntense aromas of lemon curd, lime zest, white peach, butterscotch and flint. It’s full-bodied and creamy, compact and phenolic. So focused. Crushed flint on a long, mineral and smoky finish. Drink or hold.James Suckling | 97 JSThe 2018 Chardonnay UV-SL springs from the glass with wonderfully intense notes of candied orange peel, pink grapefruit and white peaches with suggestions of crème caramel and spice cake plus compelling sparks of yuzu zest and wet pebbles. The full-bodied palate is remarkably elegant with a gorgeous satiny texture and fantastic tension delivering a very long, energetic finish.Vinous Media | 94-97 VMLithe, with notes of dried thyme to the Gala apple and pear tart flavors, rich and pure. Toasty accents show midpalate. The long finish is filled with flinty and minerally components. Best from 2021 through 2026. 874 cases made. — KMWine Spectator | 94 WS

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

A tank sample, the 2018 Chardonnay Ma Belle Fille comes from a block planted to a field selection of Hudson, Old Wente, Montrachet and Calera clone selections. Winemaker Nick Morlet informs me that the berries are tiny across the board here. It prances out of the glass with joyful orange oil, fresh grapefruit and lime cordial aromas plus nuances of shaved almonds, wet slate, nutmeg and beeswax with a hint of honeysuckle. The palate is very tight-knit and a little closed at this stage, with emerging sparks of intense citrus fruits and savory/yeasty/toasty notes, framed by amazing freshness and a silken texture, finishing long and chalky. 2,190 cases are due to be made.Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 97-100 RPThe 2018 Chardonnay Ma Belle-Fille is dense, powerful and tightly wound. I would give it a few years to come together. Ripe apricot, orange confit, baked apple tart and wild flowers infuse the 2018 with notable complexity to match its dense, packed personality.Vinous Media | 95 VMIntensely fruity and powerful, this is filled with concentrated pear tart flavors that feature notes of gooseberry and quince paste, showing hints of dried tropical fruits. Brioche and rich toasty details emerge on the unctuous finish. Drink now through 2026. 2,174 cases made.Wine Spectator | 94 WS

The 2018 Chardonnay is a gorgeous, luscious Chardonnay loaded with character. Plush fruit and soft contours bring out all of the natural richness of various Wente Clone Chardonnay selections. Almond paste, dried flowers, butter, chamomile, apricot and tropical fruit all build into a striking crescendo of flavors and textures. This is an especially oily, weighty style of Napa Valley Chardonnay. As always, the Napa Valley Chardonnay is a blend of fruit from Hudson and Hyde.Vinous Media | 94 VMA barrel sample, the 2018 Chardonnay bursts from the glass with bold notes of warm peaches, spiced pears and applesauce with hints of candied ginger, honeycomb and lime cordial. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has electric intensity, with a refreshing line of racy acid cutting through the tightly wound stone fruit and spicy layers, finishing long and honey laced.Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 93-95 RP

Flinty and steely with dried-apple, cooked-apple, pineapple, stone and honeysuckle aromas and flavors. Full-bodied and layered. Dense and agile with a vivid, flavorful finish. Complex, rich and so long. Still tight. But ever so serious and complex. Another triumph from Aubert from this vineyard. Drinkable now, but better in a year or two.James Suckling | 99 JSThe 2018 Chardonnay Sugar Shack is produced from Montrachet clone vines (what Mark Aubert calls “the citrus circus clone") grown in Rutherford AVA. It starts off a little closed at this youthful stage, soon unfurling to reveal notions of peach cobbler and pink grapefruit with an undercurrent of allspice, powdered ginger and chalk dust. The palate comes through with a powerful wall of concentrated stone fruit and baking spice flavors, supported by just enough freshness to lend balance and lift, finishing long and decadently toasty.Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 97 RPThe 2018 Chardonnay Sugar Shack is wonderfully alluring from the first taste. The Sugar Shack is typically among the more overt wines in this range. The 2018 has plenty of that, but the cool, even growing season and bright acids temper some of that natural exuberance nicely. Orange peel, spice, butter and sweet vanillin all meld together in this wonderfully open-knit, luscious Chardonnay from Mark Aubert.Antonio Galloni | 93-96 AGCreamy and honeyed notes accent the lusciously spiced flavors of ripe peach and baked apple. Toasty and buttery on the juicy finish. Drink now through 2024. 743 cases made.Wine Spectator | 92 WS

More exotic notes of nectarines, flower oil, crushed citrus, and a liquid rock-like character emerge from the 2018 Chardonnay Trenton Roadhouse. With medium to full-bodied richness, plenty of toasty background oak, great acidity, and flawless balance, it’s another complex, nuanced, and seamless Chardonnay that will benefit from a year or two and cruise for 10-15 years in cold cellars.Jeb Dunnuck | 98 JDThe 2018 Chardonnay Trenton Roadhouse is shy on the nose at this very early stage. With coaxing, it slowly allows glimpses into (very perfumed) notes of crushed almonds, oyster brine, dried white blossoms, wet hay and a core of white peaches and quince. The palate is much more open, medium-bodied, smooth as silk and broadening out to savory, honeyed fruits. It has incredibly well-knit juiciness to oppose its inherent savoriness, finishing extraordinarily long and layered. Wow! This world-class Chardonnay will show its best with another three to five years in bottle.Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 96 RPThe 2018 Chardonnay Trenton Roadhouse is wonderfully gracious and expressive. Floral and citrus notes open first, as the layers start to open up with a bit of time in the glass. Like many wines in this range, the Trenton needs time to soften a bit, especially on the finish. Orchard fruit, white flowers and a kiss of French oak linger.Vinous Media | 95 VMWell-structured, with enveloping richness to the rich white fruit and spice flavors. Creamy midpalate, with a long, silky finish filled with toasty notes. Drink now through 2025. 1,050 cases made.Wine Spectator | 94 WS

This is really complex with the complete character profile of Peter Michael chardonnay. It’s full and very layered with a great center palate. Incredibly thought-provoking and satisfying. Dried apple and lemon with lightly toasted oak. Great finish. Changes all the time. Drink or hold.James Suckling | 99 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. A tank sample due to be bottled within the next couple of days, the 2019 Chardonnay Belle Cote’s nose needs a little coaxing to reveal elegantly expressed scents of lemon curd, lime leaves and Bosc pears plus suggestions of baker’s yeast, toasted almonds and crushed rocks. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is beautifully poised if a little youthfully closed, revealing glimpses at loads of citrus, savory and mineral nuances with a racy line and creamy texture, finishing on a lingering zesty note. 2,396 cases were made.Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 97-98 RPThe 2019 Chardonnay Belle-Côte emerges from the oldest vines on the estate. White flowers, mint, pear, white pepper and citrus give the Belle-Côte a brilliant upper register that really distinguishes it in this lineup. Vivid and sculpted, the Belle-Côte is wonderfully expressive today. I can’t wait to taste it with a few years of bottle age. At times, the Belle-Côte has a Riesling-like aromatic presence that is incredibly distinctive.Antonio Galloni | 97 AGAnother estate Knight Valley release, the 2019 Chardonnay Belle-Cote is one of the richer, more powerful Chardonnays in the lineup. Buttered lemon, flower oil, toasted almond, honeysuckle, and brioche are some of the nuances here, and it’s full-bodied, with a layered, multi-dimensional mouthfeel, integrated acidity, and a distinct sense of minerality on the finish. It’s another rich, concentrated, age-worthy Chardonnay from this team that will have a solid decade of overall longevity.Jeb Dunnuck | 97 JDElegant, plush and rich-tasting, with well-knit apple and pear tart flavors that are supported by suave acidity. Light buttery accents midpalate linger onto the juicy finish, which features ripe tangerine and blood orange notes. Drink now through 2025. 2,366 cases made.Wine Spectator | 93 WS

The 2019 Chardonnay Ma Belle-Fille is from an estate vineyard in Knights Valley, which is in Sonoma, just north of Napa Valley. Beautiful white flowers, honeysuckle, green almond, and chalky minerality all emerge from this beauty, and it's another full-bodied, rich, concentrated Chardonnay from this team that checks in with the crème de la crème of the vintage. Despite its richness level and decadence, it stays lively and fresh. This is straight-up brilliant ChardonnayJeb Dunnuck | 97 JDMa Belle Fille is the highest of the Peter Michael vineyards, located at 1,200-1,800 feet. Planted to a field selection of Hudson, Old Wente, Montrachet and Calera clones, it is also the earliest ripening vineyard. A tank sample due to be bottled in just a few days, the 2019 Chardonnay Ma Belle Fille slips seductively out of the glass with tantalizing notes of warm apple slices, ripe nectarines and spice cake, giving way to a beautiful perfume of honeysuckle, beeswax and tangerine peel, plus a waft of cashews. Full-bodied, the palate delivers mouth-coating stone fruit and spiced apple flavors with a lively backbone and decadent oiliness to the texture, finishing on a long-lasting honey-nut note. 2,017 cases were made.Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 97-98 RPLithe and well-knit, with lacy richness to the apple pastry and pear tart flavors that are backed by lively acidity. Brioche accents midpalate lead to a juicy finish that lingers with fresh minerality. Drink now through 2025. 2,006 cases made.Wine Spectator | 94 WS

In classic Hyde style, the 2019 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard begins with smoky graphite tones that take some time to open to saline, shell, white peaches and floral perfume. The palate is satiny and fragrant with a shimmering mineral character, tangy lift and an incredibly long, ethereal finish. This 2019 offers incredible class and personality, and its energy and nuance suggest it will blossom in bottle for 10 or more years.Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 98+ RPA stunning white wine, revealing salted, toasted hazelnut, ripe Bartlett pear, Fuji apple and peach flavors at the core, with details of nutmeg, green cardamom and candied ginger on the long, epic finish. Drink now through 2030. 900 cases made.Wine Spectator | 96 WSThe 2019 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard shows slightly more tropical fruits yet still plays in the richer, concentrated, serious style of the estate beautifully. Lots of ripe pineapple, lemon, honeysuckle, green almond, and a kiss of chalky minerality all emerge on the nose, and it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a layered, rounded texture, and both notable structure and acidity. It should have a solid decade or more of prime drinking.Jeb Dunnuck | 96+ JDCompelling depth and pretty character to this, offering light caramel, dried apple, pineapple and stone with hints of lilacs and yellow flowers. Some flint and smoke undertones. Drink now.James Suckling | 96 JSScents of tangerine peel, burnt sugar, dried flowers and honey all build as this unctuous, flamboyant 2019 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard struts its stuff. This is classic Hyde all the way, but with a bit more freshness and less opulence than has been the case in the past. Its biggest competition comes from the other wines in this range!Vinous Media | 95 VM

The 2019 Chardonnay Trenton Roadhouse is plush, open-knit and gregarious, offering immediate appeal in a portfolio of cellar-worthy 2019s. The nose is toasty and gregarious with a fragrance of golden apples, roasted almonds and beeswax. The full-bodied palate features loads of expansive fruits and savory tones streaked with graphite and finishing very long and energetic.Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 96 RPThe 2019 Chardonnay Trenton Roadhouse is one of the most reticent wines in this range. Bright saline and mineral notes give the Trenton Roadhouse terrific energy and cut. Readers should plan on cellaring the 2019 for at least a few years, as it is pretty reticent at this stage. Even so, the wine’s beauty and elegance are impossible to miss. Goldridge soils with fine-grained sands over clay yields a Chardonnay of tremendous class.Vinous Media | 96 VMWhile the 2019 Chardonnay Trenton Roadhouse comes from the Russian River, it has a Sonoma Coast-like sense of minerality and freshness, with vibrant lemon and poached pear fruits, notes of crushed stone, flowers, and honeyed toast, medium body, bright acidity, and a great, great finish. It’s going to benefit from a year in bottle and cruise for a decade.Jeb Dunnuck | 96 JDDried apple and light caramel drops. Some chalk-like undertones. Full-bodied with a solid center palate, which fades gently at the end, in a really nice and attractive way. Drink now.James Suckling | 95 JSSucculent apricot, butterscotch and green apple flavors are fresh and in focus, but gain momentum as notes of white flowers, tarragon and spice come in on the long finish. Drink now through 2030. 1,050 cases made.Wine Spectator | 94 WS

The 2019 Chardonnay Vine Hill Vineyard begins with singular touches of seaweed and candle smoke that give way to preserved citrus, white peaches, beeswax and lush jasmine perfume. The palate is dynamic, with a crescendo of honeyed fruits, gently tangy acidity and shimmery mineral character uplifting the finish. It’s Vine Hill Vineyard with the volume turned up!Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 98 RPA tangy, very energetic and tight chardonnay with lime and kiwi character to the sliced green apples. Sherbet at the end. Bitter lemon, too. Drink or hold.James Suckling | 97 JSHoney-soaked dried pineapple, Honeycrisp apple and lemon curd flavors are intense and juicy on a sleek, mouthwatering frame, with hints of toasted brioche and salted butter on the long finish. Drink now through 2029. 1,050 cases made.Wine Spectator | 96 WSFrom a 16-acre site in the Russian River, the 2019 Chardonnay Vine Hill Vineyard is unquestionably another beautiful wine in the lineup. Lots of honeyed lemon, caramelized apple, brioche, and salty minerality all define the nose of this beauty, and it shows the more rounded, supple, yet seamless style of the vintage beautifully while holding onto a vibrant spine of acidity. It’s approachable today yet will benefit from a year or so of bottle age and keep through at least 2029.Jeb Dunnuck | 96 JDThe 2019 Chardonnay Vine Hill Vineyard is redolent of apricot, yellow flowers, tangerine oil and mint. In 2019, the Vine Hill is deep, opulent and beautifully textured. Readers should plan on cellaring the Vine Hill for at least a year or two, as it is an especially rich, dense wine, with real sense of structure underpinning the fruit.Vinous Media | 95 VM

The 2019 Chardonnay The Judge offers an intriguing mix of textural richness and energy. Lemon confit, white flowers, almond and dried flowers emerge with a bit of time in the glass, but readers should be in no rush. The 2019 is clearly holding its cards close to the vest. That is probably a very good thing for the future. This dense, beautifully layered Chardonnay has a very bright future ahead of it.Vinous Media | 98 VMBig and bold, with plenty of presence, this packs a punch of lemon curd, dried pineapple and Fuji apple flavors, whose intensity is equally matched with notes of mineral, grey sea salt, toasted sesame seed, orange blossom, wildflower honey, spice and tarragon. Reveals a hint of litsea oil on the long, expressive finish. Drink now through 2030. 300 cases made.Wine Spectator | 97 WS

This is a dense and layered white with a broad palate. It’s full and rich, yet fresh and yummy. Lovely cooked apple, vanilla and praline at the finish. Aniseed aftertaste. Drink now and enjoy.James Suckling | 97 JSThe 2019 Chardonnay Mon Plaisir is another gorgeous wine in this range from Peter Michael. This south/southeast facing block yields a Chardonnay of notable richness and viscosity. Even so, the Mon Plaisir retains terrific energy. Apricot, honeysuckle, mint, butter and pastry flesh out over time. The 2019 is a wine of breadth and power. Superb.Vinous Media | 96 VMThe 2019 Chardonnay Mon Plaisir from Knights Valley reveals a medium gold hue as well as beautiful golden delicious apple, white flowers, toasted bread, and almond paste-like nuances. It’s medium to full-bodied and has a layered, textured mouthfeel, nicely integrated acidity, and straight-up stunning length on the finish. It builds nicely with time in the glass and, if anything, was even better on the second day, so don’t be afraid to give this some air. It will evolve for at least 8-10 years.Jeb Dunnuck | 96 JDThe 2019 Mon Plaisir comes barreling out with bold notes of ripe apricots, fresh pineapple, and poached pears with touches of almond croissant, nutmeg, and honeysuckle. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers impressive energy and freshness, with a satiny texture and a spicy lift on the long finish.The Wine Independent | 96 TWIFrom vines now more than 20 years old, the 2019 Chardonnay Mon Plaisir is a mix of Old Wente selection and another selection, said to come from Montrachet. Despite coming from a sun-drenched site, the pear and melon notes are quite tight and citrusy but prominent, with the oak and lees work pushed well into the background. It’s medium to full-bodied, plump and generous in the mouth, with a long, mouthwatering finish.Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 95+ RPA chiseled style, with powerful, well-structured flavors of fresh-cut apple, dried pear and lemon tart that are supported by fresh acidity. The rich and minerally finish is well-spiced. Drink now through 2026. 954 cases made.Wine Spectator | 94 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

A barrel sample, the 2019 Chardonnay CIX Estate comes bounding out of the glass with grapefruit, green mango and orange peel notes backed up by wafts of talc, chopped nuts and a lifted, aromatic, floral perfume. It is full-bodied and intensely flavored in the mouth with a lively backbone cutting through the taut, dense citrus and tropical fruit flavors, finishing long and fragrant.Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 96-98 RPSo much character on the nose here. Notes of ripe citrus, stone fruit and elderberry. Full-bodied with an oily texture and soft, staying presence. A mix of woody spice and mint creates pleasant tension between warm and cool. Such a layered and intriguing wine. Totally delicious. Pine at the finish. Drink or hold.James Suckling | 98 JSThe 2019 Chardonnay CIX Vineyard is powerful, explosive and also very phenolic in feel. There is real density in the CIX. Lemon oil, marzipan, white flowers, ripe pear and mint are all beautifully delineated. The CIX is deep but also wonderfully transparent. The cool growing season yielded a Chardonnay of remarkable finesse. This site, planted with Montrachet Clone Chardonnay, was the last to be picked.Vinous Media | 94-96 VMPowerful and refined, this glides across the palate with concentrated dried apple and pear flavors that show hints of citrus, backed by fresh acidity and almost tannic nuances. The finish unfurls with creamy lushness, minerality and rich, toasty accents. Drink now through 2026. 1,282 cases made.Wine Spectator | 95 WS

From a 20+-year-old section of Hudson selection Old Wente clone vines, the 2019 Chardonnay Hudson (a barrel sample) delivers a full-on exotic nose of tropical fruits, pineapple upside-down cake, beeswax and spiced pears with an undercurrent of cashews and brioche plus a touch of yuzu zest. Full-bodied, the palate is satisfyingly savory and multilayered, with tons of mineral sparks accenting the opulent fruit, and the long, decadent finish is beautifully offset by racy freshness.Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 97-99 RPAn inviting nose of jasmine, lemon leaf, chalk and beeswax. Full-bodied and light on its feet with delicate expressions of herbs and spices that carry over the palate in layers. Subtle vanilla bean and toasted thyme on the palate. Supremely elegant. Drink or hold.James Suckling | 99 JSThe 2019 Chardonnay Hudson Vineyard is a total knock-out. Ripe pear, white flowers, mint and apple tart are all beautifully lifted. Rich in texture, yet light on its feet, the Hudson is unbelievably beautiful and vivid in the glass. In a word: stunning.Vinous Media | 96-98 VMThere’s unctuous minerality and savoriness to the baked apple and dried pear flavors that are lacy and well-spiced, with toasty and buttery accents on the broad-textured finish. Elegant and complex. Drink now through 2026. 579 cases made.Wine Spectator | 94 WS

The 2019 Pinot Noir Laguna Ridge Vineyard is bursting with sweet fruits. The nose explodes to boysenberries and raspberries, with wafts of bergamot, dried flowers and aniseed. The medium-bodied palate is super silky and unabashedly flavorful, with bright bursts of juicy acidity that gives this Laguna Ridge an addicting quality—an indulgent reminder that at the end of the day, wine should be delicious!Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 97 RPI always love tasting the two Pinots from Kistler and, as usual, the 2019 Pinot Noir Laguna Ridge Vineyard is slightly deeper hued and boasts ripe black cherries, mulberries, and strawberry fruits as well as notes of leafy herbs, crushed stone, and spring flowers. Sappy, medium to full-bodied, and ripe yet structured on the palate, this is the finest vintage of this cuvée to date. Give bottles a year or two in the cellar (although it’s certainly brilliant today) and it should drink well through 2034.Jeb Dunnuck | 97 JDThis is really crazy, with dried strawberries and magnet shavings. Unique aromas and flavors from the soil. It’s medium-bodied with a compact palate, showing excellent depth and polished tannins. Goes on for minutes. Drink after 2026, but already superb.James Suckling | 97 JSThe 2019 Pinot Noir Laguna Ridge is rich, sumptuous and luxurious right out of the bottle. Silky tannins and soft curves give the Laguna Ridge so much charm and appeal. Here, too, the Laguna Ridge impresses with its superb balance and class. Red/purplish berry fruit, rose petal, lavender, mint, spice and blood orange meld into the racy finish. The Laguna Ridge is easily among the top Pinots of 2019, a year that was not at all easy for this notoriously fickle variety.Vinous Media | 95 VMThis has a core of ripe, focused plum and black cherry puree flavors flecked liberally with singed cinnamon, black tea and mulling spice notes. Keeps a good racy edge through the finish, as the fruit takes an encore. Drink now through 2028. 900 cases made.Wine Spectator | 91 WS

A stunning wine, showing both power and elegance, this has a creamy, supple texture paired with vibrant, mouthwatering acidity that turns up the intensity. Presents plump, fleshy apricot, peach cobbler and dried mango flavors complemented by notes of savory Himalayan salt and butterscotch. The long, harmonious finish features lingering accents of candied ginger peel. Drink now through 2030. 2,100 cases made.Wine Spectator | 96 WSThe 2019 Chardonnay (Napa Valley) is superb. Powerful and resonant in the glass, with notable depth as well as structure, the 2019 is mesmerizing. Lemon peel, white pepper, chalk and mint lend brightness throughout. There is more than enough backbone to allow the 2019 to age gracefully for years to come. What a wine!Vinous Media | 95 VM