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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 read more...
Stephen Tanzer
International Wine Cellar
Issue 114, May/June 2004
93(+?)
September 2007
($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.
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Snooth User: karthik 1

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karthik
September 2007
superb
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Wine.com
June 2007
The 2002 Chardonnay Belle Cote (2,780 cases) is a big offering. Filled with pure tropical fruit characteristics, it is a full-bodied, exotic Chardonnay offering up tremendous notes of smoky hazelnuts as well as lychee nuts presented in a ripe, gorgeously balanced style with a decidedly California personality, but with more definition than most California Chardonnays of this size and intensity. It is made primarily from the old Wente clone of Chardonnay planted on clay-dominated soils. It is best drunk during its first 3-4 years of life. -Wine Advocate Aromas of orange blossom, lemon, and read more...
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Wine Advocate # 150
Dec-03
(95-98)
April 2008
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Snooth User: mccoybm 29

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mccoybm
August 2007

No written review
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