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2024 Peter Michael Belle Cote Chardonnay Knights Valley

Peter Michael Belle Cote: mountain Chardonnay from 1,700 feet, thirty-four-year-old vines, and volcanic soils. 97 Vinous, 96 Wine Advocate, 96 Jeb Dunnuck, 98 James Suckling.

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2024 Peter Michael Belle Cote Chardonnay Knights Valley

Peter Michael Belle Cote: mountain Chardonnay from 1,700 feet, thirty-four-year-old vines, and volcanic soils. 97 Vinous, 96 Wine Advocate, 96 Jeb Dunnuck, 98 James Suckling.

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  • "It’s Layered and Complex" ~97 Jeb Dunnuck
  • "The Most Delicate and Ethereal of the Peter Michael Chardonnays" ~94VM
  • Planted 1990, Knights Valley's First Mountain Chardonnay Vineyard
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Image of 2024 Peter Michael Belle Cote Chardonnay Knights Valley 2024 Peter Michael Belle Cote Chardonnay Knights Valley
$170
$139.99
/ bottle
You save $30.01

About The Wine

Peter Michael Belle Cote is a mountain Chardonnay from 1,700 feet, planted in 1990 as the first Chardonnay vineyard on the Knights Valley Ranch. Named after Sir Peter's favorite ski run in Courchevel, Belle Cote proved that Chardonnay of real distinction could be grown at cooler elevations in Knights Valley — and thirty-four years later, these old vines still set the standard.

The vineyard sits on volcanic rhyolitic ash-flow tuff soils with southeastern exposure and a border of native trees that shelter the vines from hot afternoon sun. The cooler microclimate delays budbreak, slows ripening, and often pushes harvest into early October — weeks after most Sonoma and Napa Chardonnay is already picked. The thirteen parcels that make up the Belle Cote blend are harvested separately, each contributing another layer of complexity.

The 2024 growing season began with abundant December-through-March rains that recharged the soil profile, followed by cooler-than-average temperatures that delayed budbreak by two weeks. Flowering weather was ideal, fruit set was excellent, and harvest ran from August 30th through October 4th. The result is a wine that showcases both power and poise.

100% native-yeast fermented in 100% French oak, aged sur lies for twelve months with weekly batonnage. Orange blossom, rose oil, orange zest, and lemon drop candy open into a rich, viscous entry, a full-bodied structured mid-palate, and a long, intense finish. Vibrant, tangy acidity supports luscious ripe pear and apple, with a silky texture that melts in the mouth. This is mountain Chardonnay with thirty-four years of vine age behind it — seamless, layered, and built to cellar a decade-plus.

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At A Glance

Varietal:
Chardonnay
Region:
Knights Valley
Sub-Appellation:
Knights Valley
Alcohol:
12.5%
Size:
750ml

TASTING NOTES

What's in the Glass

PAIRS WITH
Chicken · Fish · Seafood · Pork · Poultry

Mouthfeel & Acidity

Light Body Full Body
 
 
 
 
 
Low Acidity High Acidity
 
 
 
 
 
Soft Tannins Firm Tannins
Dry Sweet

Orange blossom, rose oil, orange zest, lemon drop candy, yellow spring flowers, and cinnamon. Rich, viscous entry leads to a full-bodied, structured mid-palate with vital acidity supporting luscious ripe pear and apple. Silky texture, seamless, layered, and fresh with a long, intense finish.

CRITIC REVIEWS

What the Critics Said

A shade deeper yellow with haze, the 2024 Chardonnay Belle-Côte comes from the oldest 1990 plantings that Helen Turley planted and is the last to finish, from an east-facing gradual slope. The nose of this wine packs in so much intensity and focused energy. Full-bodied, it has oily citrus tension, wet stones, and fabulously structured grip, with almost tannin-like structure adding to the body and acidity. Orange blossom and sherbet tones shine alongside tropical hues and savory almond nuances. It’s layered and complex. Drink 2026-2038. . ~97 Jeb Dunnuck

I tasted the 2023 Chardonnay Belle Côte from tank just before it was bottled. From vines planted in 1990, it’s open and expressive, its peach and guava aromas complemented by nuances of elderflower, graham cracker and crème brûlée. The full-bodied palate is satiny and expansive with tropical, spicy flavors. Its concentration is balanced by vibrant acidity, and it has a long, bright finish. A total of 2,038 cases were made, and the wine will be released in April of 2025. ~96 Wine Advocate

The 2024 Chardonnay Belle Côte is a very pretty mid-weight offering from Peter Michael. It offers up scents of apricot, peach, orange blossom, white flowers and a kiss of French oak. Bright mineral undertones lend energy as they shape the mid-palate and finish. The Belle Côte is the most delicate and ethereal of the Peter Michael Chardonnays. Even so, I would give it a few years in bottle.  ~94 Vinous Media

Elegant and succulent, showcasing ripe melon, nectarine and apricot flavors that are fleshy and juicy on a light, silky frame. Details of wildflower honey, lemon confit and spices including cardamom, nutmeg and white pepper add complexity, as do notes of lemon verbena, lime leaf and sweetgrass. Drink now through 2039.  ~94 Wine Spectator

THE PRODUCER

Peter Michael

Peter Michael was born on 17 June 1938 and is a British engineer and businessman. He was educated at Whitgift School. After training as an engineer at Queen Mary University of London, he worked at Smith Industries and Plessey. He founded and managed technology companies including Micro Consultants Group, UEI plc, Cosworth Engineering and Quantel. In 1983, he founded the Peter Michael Winery in the Knights Valley region of Calistoga, northern California. Les Pavots was named by Lady Michael after the wild California poppies that color the landscape of the Knights Valley ranch. Since the debut 1989 vintage, this refined Cabernet blend offers a signature profile of blueberry notes, a hint of herbs de Provence, and a wonderful expression of the full spectrum of red Bordeaux varieties.

Peter Michael

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