Introduction
Peter Michael Belle Côte Chardonnay Sonoma County Magnum 2022 is a superb expression of cool-climate Chardonnay, bottled in an impressive 1.5L format. This wine represents the pinnacle of winemaking from the esteemed Peter Michael Winery. The wine comes from their Belle Côte vineyard in Knights Valley. “Belle Côte,” meaning “beautiful slope,” is the oldest of the estate’s Chardonnay vineyards. Its high elevation and southeastern exposure protect it from the hot afternoon sun. This unique terroir allows for slow, meticulous ripening, which builds complexity and preserves the grapes’ delicate acidity. The 2022 vintage was challenging but well-managed, producing concentrated, high-quality fruit. Magnums offer a superior aging environment, allowing this wine to evolve slowly and gracefully over many years.
Character Description
The Peter Michael Belle Côte Chardonnay Sonoma County Magnum 2022 enchants with a brilliant, pale gold hue, hinting at its purity and vitality. The bouquet is complex and layered, offering vibrant notes of lemon drop, fresh yellow apple, and white peach. These are complemented by a captivating mineral quality, hints of toasted almond, wet pebbles, and a subtle touch of baking spice. On the palate, it delivers a medium to full-bodied experience with a creamy, lacy texture. The flavors of citrus and orchard fruit are vibrant, supported by a core of integrated acidity that provides both freshness and structure. The finish is exceptionally long and expansive, leaving a lingering impression of citrus zest and nuanced minerality.
Perfect Pairings
This elegant and powerful Chardonnay is perfect for a range of refined dishes. Its balance of bright acidity and creamy texture complements many foods beautifully. It pairs wonderfully with pan-seared scallops in a brown butter sauce, roasted chicken with fresh herbs, or rich, flaky white fish. The wine’s complexity also makes it an excellent match for creamy mushroom risotto or soft, semi-firm cheeses like Gruyère. It’s an ideal choice for a celebratory dinner where the wine can truly shine.
About the Winery
Peter Michael Winery was founded by Sir Peter Michael in 1982. His vision was to create world-class, terroir-driven wines based on classical French winemaking traditions. The winery’s philosophy is simple yet powerful: “mountain vineyards, classical winemaking, limited production.” This dedication to meticulous viticulture and non-interventionist winemaking allows the unique character of each vineyard to express itself fully.
