Description
91 Wine Spectator
A creamy Chardonnay, displaying intense, complex flavors of rich hazelnut, fig, melon and smoky oak, this is full-blown and—as of now—rustic and chewy. Give this some time, the texture should soften.
Winemaker Note
Terroir-driven minerality remains the signature of this vineyard, with aromas of crushed stone, lily, hazelnut and sweet pear. Touches of mandarin orange, acacia, honey and sweet vanilla complete the elegant bouquet. Notes of citrus oils, white peaches and lemon highlight the minerality. Rich, intense, and sculpted, presenting wonderful concentration and elegance on the palate, it has bright acidity and minerality, much like its Burgundian cousins from Puligny-Montrachet.
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.
