Log in or create an account now and be a part of the world's largest wine site: research, rate and review wines; buy online; receive personalized recommendations.
Peter Michael Belle Cote Chardonnay(2002)
As the oldest of three Peter Michael estate Chardonnay vineyards, Belle Côte exemplifies how well suited these mountain vineyard sites are for consistently producing 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.
Winter 2002 was characterized by persistent heavy rains, giving way to a sustained heat spell mid-way through March, thereby granting read more...
- Stephen Tanzer
- International Wine Cellar
- Issue 114, May/June 2004
- 93(+?)
- ($65) Bright yellow color with a slight haze. Highly complex nose melds fresh pineapple, grapefruit, lemon and crushed stone, all lifted by a strong citrus rind element. Very dense, rich and bright; uncompromisingly dry but superconcentrated and wonderfully nuanced from the start. Offers a superb range of flavors, including grapefruit, stone, lichee, and a delicate suggestion of rose petal, plus hints of exotic fruits. Finishes with youthful austerity and superb grip. Shows the typical viscosity of this bottling, but seems more backward than the 2001 at a similar stage.
