2023 Peter Michael 'Ma Belle-Fille' Chardonnay Knights Valley

• "an uber chardonnay" ~99 James Suckling
• Free Shipping on 12 or More Bottles

About the Wine

"If one considers the total production of all the Peter Michael cuvées... and the diversity of their wines... Peter Michael Winery may be the best-run winery of its size for world-class quality." ~ Robert Parker.

'Ma Belle-Fille' was named by Sir Peter as a warm tribute to Emily Michael, his "Daughter-in-Law", and mother of the third generation of the family. Planted at the highest elevation on the estate, the marine influence on Ma Belle-Fille vineyard is greater, resulting in cooler daily temperatures in the summer and autumn months. Situated above the summer fog ceiling and exposed to the southeast, the vineyard receives the very first rays of sunshine each morning and remains sunny all day long. This full exposure, combined with cooler temperatures, causes the fruit to mature earlier than the rest of our estate.

Sir Peter Michael didn’t just create a winery—he sculpted a legacy. From the foothills of Oakville to the heights of Mount St. Helena, his family's 100×100 vision ensures this paradise remains in their stewardship for a century. This is more than a vineyard; it’s a sanctuary of elegance, care, and unrelenting pursuit of excellence.

Nestled between 500 and 600 feet above sea level, this Oakville gem thrives on a perfect combination of slope, soil, and sunlight. The hillside vineyard basks in ideal conditions, allowing the Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot to ripen to perfection. The result? A wine with depth, structure, and unmistakable elegance.

Today, Paul and Emily Michael carry forward the family’s tradition, joined by the next generation who have grown up with the land in their veins. This wine is a testament to their dedication—a rare gem produced with care, precision, and a touch of magic.

As with all Peter Michael wines, 'Ma Belle-Fille' is produced in limited quantities to maintain its pristine quality. This is not just a bottle; it’s an experience, a journey, a celebration of Napa Valley’s greatness.

Aging: 18 months in French oak barrels.

Tasting Notes

100% Chardonnay 100% French Oak. Beautifully perfumed with layers of honeysuckle, jasmine and dried orange peel accented by apricot, vanilla cream and spring flower notes, the 2023 ‘Ma Belle-Fille’ delivers with a rich, creamy entry and generous, structured mid-palate showing great drive and intensity with a long, mouth-watering finish. A truly special wine from an extraordinary vintage.

Critic Review

***Free Shipping on 12 or More Bottles of This Wine***