|
PETER MICHAEL
Peter Michael Winery specializes in
only single-vineyard designated wines produced from premium hillside vineyards.
In 1982 Sir Peter Michael established the Peter Michael winery on a square mile
of rocky volcanic ridges that form the western face of Mount St. Helena in
Sonoma County. From the beginning, the wine growing philosophy was modeled on
the French tradition infused with a few modern influences.
The vineyard terroir would be the single most important feature with each wine
reflecting the unique characteristics of its ?terroir? or site. Secondly,
the wines would be elegant rather than overstated. Given this commitment to the
product, only a limited quantity will ever be made.
www.petermichaelwinery.com
available for restaurants only. please inquire.
Chardonnay Belle Cote
Belle C?te was the
first vineyard developed in a series of Peter Michael estate Chardonnays back in
1989. This high mountain elevation site sports cool maritime breezes, rocky,
well-drained soils of low fertility, and an ideal exposure to the morning sun.
Planted in 1990 using a classical vertical trellis system and a relatively dense
spacing of 1200 vines per acre, Belle C?te features three clonal selections of
Chardonnay. One third of the vineyard is planted to the "Rued" clone,
one third to the famous "Old Wente" clone and one third to the
"See" clone. Cuttings of the clones were field selected from
exceptional vineyards. Peter named the vineyard Belle C?te, which means
"beautiful slope", after the famous ski run in Courcheval, France.
Sauvignon Blanc l'Apres Midi
Grapes were
handpicked and hand-sorted, whole cluster pressed and then barrel fermented in
French oak with 100% indigenous yeasts and was ?sur lie? aged in the barrel
for 9 months. The minerality and delicacy of this Sauvignon Blanc reflects this
vineyard?s Terroir, particularly its white, rocky volcanic soils (called
?Tuff?). Aromas of lime peel, citrus oil, sweet pear juice and notes of
pineapple, gooseberry and white truffle. Good body and minerality with a high
natural acidity to allow further ageing. Will be enjoyable now through the next
3 years.
Cabernet Sauvignon les Pavots
The distinctive aromas and flavors of this proprietary
blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot exhibit its hillside
origin on the slopes of Mt. St. Helena in Knights Valley. Rocky, rhyolitic soils
created through volcanic activity millennia ago contribute a mineral richness
and add to the wine's complexity. Spanning 23 acres, Les Pavots ascends to an
elevation of nearly 1600 feet. Merlot and Cabernet Franc grow on the cool upper
slopes and Cabernet Sauvignon grows just below. Traditional Bordeaux
vinification fermentation contribute to the intense color extraction and soft,
round tannins. Lady Michael named this vineyard after the wild California
poppies that grow on the mountainside.
|
