Peter Michael Chardonnay Belle Cote Knights Valley 2021 1500ml

Peter Michael's Belle Côte vineyard, planted on volcanic hillsides in Knights Valley, is one of California's benchmark Chardonnay sites, and the 2021 is a standout. James Suckling awarded it 99 points and called it "one of the best ever." From vines around 34 years old, it captures the essence of the classic Wente clone: pear, apple, lime and candied peach with hot stone, chalk and roasted almond, layered and full-bodied yet bright, with very little oak influence. A drought-reduced 2021 crop gave small berries and great concentration. Offered here in magnum, a format that ages slowly and gracefully, it is delicious now and should keep evolving for 10 to 15 years.