Peter Michael - Knights Valley "Cuvée Indigène" Chardonnay 2018
Price: $199.99
| Producer | Peter Michael |
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| Country | California |
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| Region | Sonoma County |
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| Subregion | Knights Valley |
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| Varietal | CHARDONNAY |
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| Vintage | 2018 |
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| Sku | 33869 |
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Wine Advocate: 98 Points
Cuvee Indigene is a top barrel selection of the Belle Cote vineyard with some fruit from Ma Belle Fille and Mon Plaisir. Winemaking consultant Luc Morlet mentioned that this label is intended to capture the richer side of Chardonnay each vintage, emphasized by the majority use of Old Wente clone. This wine gets 15 months in barrel—a bit longer aging than the other wines. The 2018 Chardonnay Cuvee Indigene has wonderfully fragrant notes of lemongrass, lime leaves and orange blossoms that slowly emerge from the glass, giving way to a core of yellow apples and fresh pears with hints of struck flint and wet pebbles. The medium to full-bodied palate fills the mouth with perfumed citrus and apple flavors, supported a refreshing line, finishing long and chalky. Still quite closed, put this one aside for a good 2-3 years and then watch it blossom over the next 12-15 years+.
Vinous: 95 Points
The 2018 Chardonnay Cuvée Indigène is a barrel selection from Belle-Côte, the oldest parcel on the property. Shy and elusive, the 2018 is another wine that is going to need a few years to come together. Even with all of its power, the 2018 has great energy. Hints of lemon peel, almond, flower and crushed rocks infuse the finish with notable character.
Wine Spectator: 94 Points
Complex, this strikes terrific balance between the rich notes of lemon meringue and peach cobbler and the fresh, juicy acidity, hints of litsea oil and whiffs of smoke. Reveals toasted sesame and dried spice accents that linger on the long finish.
