Vintage Notes

The winter was dry with only 70% of normal rainfall, continuing three years of drought. Unseasonably warm temperatures in early spring accelerated bud break by four weeks. The growing season benefited from moderate temperatures. However, early use of drip irrigation was critical for the health of the vines. Only one pass of thinning was required to achieve a balanced crop load. Ideal Indian summer conditions allowed us to calmly harvest each block as it achieved optimal ripeness. Yields were higher than average, but due to dehydration the skins and the pulps of the berries were thicker than normal, resulting in low juice yields at the press, and exceptional concentration in the wines.

Winegrowing Notes

As the oldest of the four Peter Michael estate Chardonnay vineyards, Belle Côte exemplifies how consistently these mountain vineyard sites produce exceptionally high quality Chardonnay. Given the naturally cool climate of the vineyard’s high elevation, and the fact that the site is sheltered from the hot afternoon sun by its southeastern exposure and a stand of trees on its western border, the vines are exceptionally slow to ripen. For this site, the growing season typically extends into October (two to three weeks longer than most Chardonnay vineyards in Napa and Sonoma counties).

Winemaker Tasting Notes

The nose is distinctly intense and powerfully hedonistic with aromas of lychee nut, mangosteen, passion fruit, citrus, rose petal and orange blossom, with a background of mineral, candied orange, yellow peach, greengage, nougat, and toasted almond. Creamy and weighty in the mouth, the palate is rich and seamless. Accents of pain grillé, almond and brioche, with crisp natural acidity and minerals complete the mouth feel. The 2014 Belle Côte is enjoyable now and will continue to develop its unique expression of terroir for at least a decade.

About Peter Michael Winery

In 1982, after a six year search, Sir Peter Michael and Lady Michael purchased 630 acres of volcanic ridges on the western face of Mount St. Helena in Knights Valley. Drawing inspiration from the great wineries of Burgundy and Bordeaux, the family hired like-minded viticulturists and winemakers to help them create terroir-driven wines that would stand the test of time. Peter Michael Winery Winery produces 15 different bottlings: 3 Cabernet blends, 4 Pinot Noirs, 2 blends of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, and 6 Chardonnays. With the exception of our two barrel selection Chardonnays, all of these wines are vineyard specific.

Under the direction of vineyard manager Javier Avina, the estate vineyards are farmed by hand in a low-impact, sustainable manner, relying heavily on organic techniques that include some biodynamic practices. Cover crops control erosion, feed the soil and provide a habitat for beneficial insects; eliminating the need for chemical pesticides. Tilling, spraying and mowing are accomplished with tractors. All other operations are done entirely by hand. These include: pruning, suckering, shoot positioning, hedging, crop thinning and harvest. All harvesting is done into 20-pound fruit lugs to insure that the fruit arrives at the winery in pristine condition.