The 2013 Ma Belle-Fille is spectacularly intense, boasting aromasof ripe peach, white rose, tangerine blossom, golden apple, nectarine and pastry elements such as Napoleon cake, accentedwith oyster shell minerality. Generous in the mouth, rich and concentrated, the wine displays flavors of William pear, honey, dried almond, meringue, dry chamomile, orange rind and notes of baked Reinette apple. In the mouth, the wine is tactile and gourmand with extreme purity. Layered and seductive, the finish is very long.
Reviews:
- Wine Advocate: The 2013 Chardonnay Ma Belle Fille offers plenty of wet rocks, caramelized citrus, and again the apple blossom component — or is it apple butter? There is a lemon meringue character as well, not to mention brioche. It is definitely different than the other Chardonnays, and it certainly seems as though the Calera clone component comes across very differently.
- James Suckling: This very intense and creamy with light pie crust, apricot, lemon rind and peach pie. Full body and round texture from the phenolics. Very long. Some herb and iodine on the finish. Sneaks up on you! Wow.
Producer Information
In 1982 Sir Peter and Lady Margaret Michael built the Peter Michael Winery on a square mile of rocky volcanic ridges that form the western face of Mount St. Helena in Knights Valley, Sonoma County, California. The estate vineyards rest on steep hillsides ranging in elevation from 1100 to nearly 2000 feet. Of the nearly 600 estate acres, only about 20% are planted to grapes. Peter Michael Winery is best known for single-vineyard and estate grown Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and a Cabernet Sauvignon cuvee of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The Peter Michael Winery remains true to its commitment to growing classic grape varieties in small mountain vineyards in order to produce great wines using classical winemaking techniques. Given this covenant to the product, only a limited quantity will ever be available.
