Rare new Chardonnay release from cult winery Peter Michael. Limited. 99 Points Robert Parker: "A barrel sample with fruit from Hudson, Calera and two types of Old Wente clones, the 2017 Chardonnay Ma Belle Fille has beautiful, sophisticated citrus notes of lemon curd, pink grapefruit and yuzu over a pear, peach and apple pie core with touches of exotic fruits, nutmeg, toasted almonds and talc. The palate is medium to full-bodied, with amazing vibrancy countered by a beautifully creamy texture and long, mineral-driven finish. This should age incredibly!... ...Peter Michael is an impeccably run, world-class winery and it is probably impossible to find a greater set of Chardonnays anywhere else in the world, with one exception – the seven cuvées of Chardonnay made by Mark Aubert, ironically, one of Peter Michael’s former winemakers!"
Brian S
Just too much oak for me.
Just too much oak for me.
9.0Shay A
Very similar to the 2016 I opened 6-8 months ago, yet more open for business. Some of these wines have a reputation for “large and in charge”, but this was supremely balanced, toeing the line between Sonoma and white burgundy with richness. Whereas Aubert’s chards can be more powerful (and is normally my favorite), I’m always pleasantly surprised at how these show. Aromatically it revealed sugar frosted stone fruits, guava, white peach, caramel dipped golden delicious apples and baking spices. It has a beautifully textured palate that starts as though it’s going to be dense, but finishes with a gorgeous lifted profile and plenty of acidity. Added notes on the palate of powdered lemon bar, floral honeysuckle, whipped lemon cream and even some honey roasted cashews. I’d pop this 2017 before the 2016 with how open it is, but it will cruise another 7-10yrs, easily.
Very similar to the 2016 I opened 6-8 months ago, yet more open for business. Some of these wines have a reputation for “large and in charge”, but this was supremely balanced, toeing the line between Sonoma and white burgundy with richness. Whereas Aubert’s chards can be more powerful (and is normally my favorite), I’m always pleasantly surprised at how these show. Aromatically it revealed sugar frosted stone fruits, guava, white peach, caramel dipped golden delicious apples and baking spices. It has a beautifully textured palate that starts as though it’s going to be dense, but finishes with a gorgeous lifted profile and plenty of acidity. Added notes on the palate of powdered lemon bar, floral honeysuckle, whipped lemon cream and even some honey roasted cashews. I’d pop this 2017 before the 2016 with how open it is, but it will cruise another 7-10yrs, easily.
9.3Michael Patrone
Clean
Clean
9.6Andy Hall
Not my favorite vintage of Ma Belle-Fille but still good in an off year.
Not my favorite vintage of Ma Belle-Fille but still good in an off year.
9.1WARNING: DRINKING DISTILLED SPIRITS, BEER, COOLERS, WINE AND OTHER ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES MAY INCREASE CANCER RISK, AND, DURING PREGNANCY, CAN CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS.