2009 Peter Michael "Belle Côte" Sonoma County Chardonnay

SKU #1066679 93 points Wine Spectator

Beautifully balanced, rich and well-proportioned, with tiers of butterscotch, fig, melon, hazelnut and spice flavors. This is full-bodied, yet very elegant and stylish for its size and depth of flavor. Drink now through 2018. (6/ 2011)

92 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2009 Chardonnay Belle-Cote is once again decidedly extroverted. Layers of rich tropical fruit, passion fruit flowers and pistachio are some of the notes that take shape in the glass. The aromas and flavors are intense, but texturally, the wine is less interesting, as elements of heaviness are present. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2021. (2/ 2012)

92 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

Green-gold. Ripe melon and peach on the nose, with notes of honey and toasty lees adding an impression of richness. Fleshy and expansive on the palate, displaying dense pit fruit and honeydew flavors and a late note of candied orange. Finishes smooth and broad, with lingering spiciness and a hint of allspice. (6/ 2011)

K&L Notes

A more tropical expression than the La Carriere, the Peter Michael Belle Côte comes from a site just next to the aforementioned vineyard, but it has a more easterly exposure and thicker soils. Marmalade and lychee with a touch of wet stone on the nose and palate, with a rich leesy texture that lingers on the finish.