As the oldest of the four Peter Michael Winery estate Chardonnay blocks, Belle Cote exemplifies the consistent quality of Chardonnay these mountain vineyards produce. Due to the naturally cool climate of the site's high elevation, mitigation of exposure to the hot afternoon sun from its southeastern exposure, and a stand of trees on the western border, the vines are allowed to ripen slowly. The growing season for Belle Cote typically extends into October—two to three weeks longer than most Chardonnay vineyards in Napa and Sonoma Counties.
JEB DUNNUCK 96 POINTS - "Coming from the older vines of the estate, planted in 1990 with an east-facing exposition, the 2023 Chardonnay Belle Cote is a bright golden yellow color. It offers the most depth aromatically with notes of frangipane, smoky wet stones, white peach, salted pineapple, and vanilla. The palate is full-bodied and more opulent, yet it’s reigned-in and focused, with a long feel and a mouthwatering mineral persistence. The structure is built to last, with a pleasing note of bitter almond on the finish. Drink 2026-2040."
WINE SPECTATOR 95 POINTS - "This is a stunner, showing smoked, salted butterscotch, with fresh and juicy notes of tangerine, buttery brioche, cardamom, nutmeg and plump, ripe apricot. Marmalade, orange blossoms and white tea are elegant grace notes, but the rich flavors, seamless frame and elegant acidity are what linger. Drink now through 2037."
ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE 94-96 POINTS - "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."
JEB DUNNUCK 96 POINTS - "Coming from the older vines of the estate, planted in 1990 with an east-facing exposition, the 2023 Chardonnay Belle Cote is a bright golden yellow color. It offers the most depth aromatically with notes of frangipane, smoky wet stones, white peach, salted pineapple, and vanilla. The palate is full-bodied and more opulent, yet it’s reigned-in and focused, with a long feel and a mouthwatering mineral persistence. The structure is built to last, with a pleasing note of bitter almond on the finish. Drink 2026-2040."
WINE SPECTATOR 95 POINTS - "This is a stunner, showing smoked, salted butterscotch, with fresh and juicy notes of tangerine, buttery brioche, cardamom, nutmeg and plump, ripe apricot. Marmalade, orange blossoms and white tea are elegant grace notes, but the rich flavors, seamless frame and elegant acidity are what linger. Drink now through 2037."
ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE 94-96 POINTS - "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."
