Peter Michael Chardonnay Belle Cote Knights Valley 2019 750ml

Sir Peter Michael's estate climbs the volcanic hillsides of Knights Valley, and Belle Côte, French for "beautiful hillside," is one of its signature Chardonnays. The 2019 is one of the richer, more powerful wines in the estate's lineup, and Vinous noted it comes from the oldest vines on the property. Buttered lemon, honeysuckle, toasted almond and brioche lead to a full, layered palate with integrated acidity and a distinctly mineral finish, while James Suckling picked up pear, peach and mango in a subtly exotic register. Jeb Dunnuck praised it as a "rich, concentrated, age-worthy Chardonnay." Lovely now, it has the depth to keep improving and should drink well through the end of the decade.