Peter Michael Winery Peter Michael Winery 'Belle Côte' Chardonnay 2024 750ml

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.

I tasted the 2022 Chardonnay Belle Côte from tank shortly before it was due to be bottled. It’s lively and generous with singular scents of lemon drop, pie crust and toasted meringue, plus integrated tones of matchstick and allspice. The medium-bodied palate is defined by its lacy, lightly mouth-coating texture. Its deep core of creamy, lemony flavors is enlivened by mouthwatering acidity, and its juxtaposition of depth and energy calls you back for another sip. 1,783 cases will be produced, and the Belle Côte will be released in February of 2024.

The 2022 Chardonnay Belle Côte emerges from vines planted by Helen Turley the early 1990s, the oldest vines on the property. It marries power and elegance in grand style. Deep mineral notes give the 2022 notable presence and intensity to pull it all together. This was the last fruit the estate picked, as is often the case. Belle Côte is another strong 2022 from Peter Michael. (Antonio Galloni)

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. 93-95 points. (Erin Brooks)

This powerful version opens with a toasty mix of spices, buttery toasted brioche and carmelized apple pastry. Offers plenty of plump ripe peach, apricot and melon flavors, with a note of marmalade at the core. Candied ginger, graham cracker, salted, toasted almond and marzipan linger on the finish. Drink now through 2033. 1,783 cases made. (MaryAnn Worobiec)

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. 2,658 cases made.

I tasted the 2024 Chardonnay Belle Côte from tank just before it was due to be bottled. It comes from the oldest Chardonnay vines at Peter Michael’s Knights Valley Ranch, planted in 1990. Its aromas blossom slowly, segueing from flint and hazelnut to vanilla, panna cotta, papaya and elderflower perfume. The full-bodied palate has a silky texture and pure, expressive flavors, and its new oak is already very well integrated. It’s balanced by bright acidity and has a long, nuanced finish. 2,665 cases are expected and will be released in April 2026.

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.