Peter Michael Winery 'Belle Cote' Chardonnay 2021 / 750 ml.

Item#: 60126

RP96+96–98 pts. - Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate - 16th Feb 2023
I tasted the 2021 Chardonnay Belle Côte as a finished tank sample the day before it was bottled. From vines planted in 1990, it was matured for 12 months in 40% new French oak. It offers lush aromas of baked apples and apricots, jasmine, biscuit, nutmeg and cream with spicy, floral nuances arising as it airs in the glass. The medium-bodied palate is satiny and expansive with streaks of flint and focused acidity to balance its generous fruit. Expressive and inviting, it’s a pleasure to drink now, yet the way it transforms in the glass suggests it will also develop positively in the cellar over the next decade or more. 2,159 cases were made, and it will be released in February of 2023. (Erin Brooks)
JD9595 pts. - Jeb Dunnuck - 7/21/2023
From the oldest Chardonnay vines on the property, planted in 1990, the 2021 Chardonnay Belle-Cote pours a medium yellow and has an expressive perfume of wildflowers, wet stone, and white peach. Full-bodied, this floral profile is just as pronounced and long on the palate, with a soft, silky texture and ripe notes of melon, honeysuckle, and honeyed lemon. Long and attractive, it can be enjoyed 2024–2034. (Audrey Frick)
SP9393 pts. - Wine Spectator - Web only – 2023
This has an impressive presence while still showing plenty of finesse to the apricot pastry, vanilla cream and orange blossom flavors, with details of nutmeg, crisp citrus and marzipan on the finish. Drink now. 2,159 cases made. (MaryAnn Worobiec)

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Primary Grape: Chardonnay | All Grapes: Chardonnay

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Critical Acclaim

RP96+ 96–98 pts. / Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate (16th Feb 2023)

I tasted the 2021 Chardonnay Belle Côte as a finished tank sample the day before it was bottled. From vines planted in 1990, it was matured for 12 months in 40% new French oak. It offers lush aromas of baked apples and apricots, jasmine, biscuit, nutmeg and cream with spicy, floral nuances arising as it airs in the glass. The medium-bodied palate is satiny and expansive with streaks of flint and focused acidity to balance its generous fruit. Expressive and inviting, it’s a pleasure to drink now, yet the way it transforms in the glass suggests it will also develop positively in the cellar over the next decade or more. 2,159 cases were made, and it will be released in February of 2023. (Erin Brooks)

JD95 95 pts. / Jeb Dunnuck (7/21/2023)

From the oldest Chardonnay vines on the property, planted in 1990, the 2021 Chardonnay Belle-Cote pours a medium yellow and has an expressive perfume of wildflowers, wet stone, and white peach. Full-bodied, this floral profile is just as pronounced and long on the palate, with a soft, silky texture and ripe notes of melon, honeysuckle, and honeyed lemon. Long and attractive, it can be enjoyed 2024–2034. (Audrey Frick)

SP93 93 pts. / Wine Spectator (Web only – 2023)

This has an impressive presence while still showing plenty of finesse to the apricot pastry, vanilla cream and orange blossom flavors, with details of nutmeg, crisp citrus and marzipan on the finish. Drink now. 2,159 cases made. (MaryAnn Worobiec)

Where It's From

Region / California

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When it comes to US wine production, California is King. California wines account for almost 90% of all wines produced in the United States each year, and is home to the most celebrated vineyards and producers in the country. California is probably best known for its world-famous Cabernets and Chardonnays, many of which hail from its two most-acclaimed AVAs, Napa Valley and Sonoma County. Other prominent grapes used in California wines include Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, and Zinfandel (which California made popular).

Country / United States

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The United States now ranks fourth in the world in wine production behind, France, Italy, and Spain. While about 90% of that wine is produced in California, other states like Oregon, New York, and Washington are establishing themselves as prime spots for wine production, as well. Just about any variety of wine can be found in production somewhere in the United States.

More Information

SKU 60126
Product Type Wine
Alternate Name Peter Michael Winery ‘Belle Côte’ Chardonnay
Country United States
Region California
District Sonoma County
Product Location - Location-Appellation Knights Valley
Package Size 750 ml.
Proof/Alcohol by Volume 15.3%
Brand Peter Michael Winery
Bottles per Case 12
Vintage 2021
Bin Location 0
Can it be Shipped Yes
Premier Pick No
Wine Type Table Wine
Wine - Color White
Grape(s) Chardonnay
Primary Grape Chardonnay
Dollar Sale (Y/N) No
Same Region, Same Vintage, Same Grape
JS9494 pts. - JamesSuckling.com - Tuesday, April 4, 2023
A structured and layered white with apple, light honey and acacia aromas and flavors. Medium to full body. Creamy mouthfeel. Phenolic texture that runs through the wine. Flavorful yet subtle finish. Touch of flint and cedar. Drink or hold. (James Suckling)
VN90+90–92 pts. - Vinous - Jan 2023
The 2021 Chardonnay Wester Reach is bright and nicely focused. Lemon peel, white flowers, chalk and white pepper all lend tons of nuance. Vineyard sites are Flax, Cornerstone, Heintz, Lorenzo and El Diablo. There’s terrific energy and focus here. (Antonio Galloni)
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JD9090 pts. - Jeb Dunnuck - 8/2/2022
The 2021 Chardonnay Russian River Valley lifts from the glass with white flowers, salted pineapple, and a touch of flinty reduction. The palate is fresh and rounded, with ripe green apple, lime zest, and honeydew melon rind. This is perfect for youthful drinking over the next five years. (Audrey Frick)
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United States | California | Napa Valley

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Bread & Butter Chardonnay 2021 / 750 ml.

2021 / 750 ml.

Item #: 39872

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United States | California

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More from this Producer
RP95+95–97 pts. - Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate - 16th Feb 2023
I tasted the 2021 Chardonnay La Carrière as a finished tank sample the day before it was bottled. It comes from vines planted in 1994 on volcanic soils and was matured for 12 months in about 40% new French oak. It opens soft and creamy on the nose, gaining in intensity as it blossoms to scents of matchstick, saline, Meyer lemons and wafts of lemongrass. The medium-bodied palate has a satiny texture and focused acidity to support its expansive, perfumed fruit, and its classy new oak character is already well integrated. I love this juxtaposition of concentrated flavor and shimmery, energetic acidity. 2,128 cases were made. This will be released in February 2023. (Erin Brooks)
SP9595 pts. - Wine Spectator - Web only – 2023
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JS9999 pts. - JamesSuckling.com - Thursday, January 27, 2022
This is very perfumed with blackberry and pine-cone aromas, as well as raspberries and black cherries. Full-bodied with firm, velvety tannins that are tight-grained. Creamy and beautiful. Currant and graphite flavors come through. Lightly chewy at the end. 60% cabernet sauvignon, 21% merlot, 14% cabernet franc and 5% petit verdot. Drink after 2025.
RP9494 pts. - Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate - 31st May 2022
From one of the smallest yields in the history of this Knights Valley vineyard, the 2019 Les Pavots matured in 70% new French oak. It’s a dark, concentrated effort, with straightforward aromas of black cherries, cassis, vanilla and dark chocolate, a full-bodied, plush feel on the palate and a long, velvety finish. A delicious blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, it should possess close to two decades of drinkability.
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RP9595 pts. - Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate - 16th Feb 2023
The 2020 Les Pavots is made up of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot and 3% Petite Verdot and includes fruit from some of the oldest vines at Peter Michael, planted in 1989. Unusually, there is no Cabernet Franc in the blend this vintage, as it was affected by the wildfire smoke. Deep ruby-purple in color, it is shy to begin, taking time to reveal pure red plums, chocolate, graphite, green bell pepper and tobacco leaves. The medium-bodied palate offers generous, alluringly herbal fruits, a luxurious, silky frame and seamless acidity, finishing long and latent. It develops dramatically in the glass, suggesting it will require a few hours in the decanter to show at its best. 1,910 cases were made; this will be released in February of 2023. (Erin Brooks)
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JD9696 pts. - Jeb Dunnuck - 7/21/2023
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RP9898 pts. - Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate - 16th Feb 2023
The 2020 Chardonnay Belle Côte, matured for 12 months in about 40% new French oak, explodes with singular aromas of ginger, lemongrass and Meyer lemon with streaks of flint and dried herbs. The medium-bodied palate is just as intense, offering highly concentrated fruit, seamless acidity, expansive, spicy flavors and a finish that goes on and on. Ultra concentrated and perfumed, the Belle Côte is especially expressive this vintage. 2,782 cases were made. (Erin Brooks)
RP95+95–97 pts. - Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate - 31st May 2022
More linear than la Carriere or Mon Plaisir this vintage, the 2020 Chardonnay Belle Cote boasts narcissus-like florals, white peaches, lime zest and toasted almond on the nose, while the palate is medium to full-bodied and lush yet long and focused, with just a hint of mocha on the finish.
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SP9595 pts. - Wine Spectator - Web only – 2022
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RP93+93–95 pts. - Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate - 31st May 2022
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