- Practicing Organic
- 100% Chardonnay
- Knights Valley Estate Vineyard (Knights Valley AVA)
- Planted in 1999
- Volcanic-origin rhyolite soils
- South-southeast exposures
- 1,700 to 1,900 ft. elevation
- Highest elevation on the estate
- Hand-Harvested
- 100% native yeast
- 100% barrel-fermented in 100% French oak from select artisan coopers
- Barrel-aged sur lies for 12 months with weekly bâtonnage
- Bottled unfiltered
- 14.9% abv
Info
Producer:
Vintage:
2023
Country:
United States
Region:
California
Appellation:
Knights Valley
Variety:
Chardonnay
Color:
White
Farming Practice:
Sustainable
Sizes Available
| Full Bottle | US-PMW-33-23 | 12/750ml |
Press & Reviews
James Suckling
Score
99
Date
2025-09-12
"So delicious and drinkable from the first whiff to the lingering finish. An uber-chardonnay that packs in all the richness of fruit and smooth spiciness of oak fermentation, with vibrant acidity and a silky texture. Well balanced in a cool, ideal vintage and a great candidate for aging longer term. Drinkable now and best from 2030."
Wine Advocate
Score
95-97
Date
2025-03-20
"The 2023 Chardonnay Ma Belle Fille is reminiscent of summertime, its warm peach aromas complemented by wafts of vanilla, pie crust, whipped cream and spice. The full-bodied palate offers impressively concentrated, spicy flavors. Its luxurious, satiny texture is foiled by vibrant acidity, which lends the wine a shimmery feel, and it has a hauntingly long finish. A total of 2,082 cases were made, and the wine will be released in September of 2025."
Vinous
Score
94
Date
2025-07-03
"The 2023 Chardonnay Ma Belle Fille offers a beguiling mix of aromatics, fruit and structure. Dried pear, crushed flowers, mint, white pepper, slate and dried herbs all race across the palate. Strong mineral and graphite notes emerge with coaxing to round things out. This needs time."
Wine Spectator
Score
94
Date
2025-08-13
"Elegant and polished, with a juicy core of Meyer lemon, white peach, freshly grated ginger, lemon verbena and neroli, plus a touch of orange sherbet. Spice, honeycomb and bergamot notes linger on the long, expressive and juicy finish. Drink now through 2039.—M.W."
REVIEWS FROM PAST VINTAGES
2022
James Suckling
Score
97
Date
2025-09-12
"Balanced at a high level, this standout wine is fruity, stony, nervy and creamy at the same time. Full-bodied and ripe but vivid in acidity, layered with poached apple, vanilla, mineral, creme brulee and lemon curd flavors that linger long in the finish. Comes from vines planted at almost 600 meters elevation on the winery estate. Drink now or hold."
2022
Wine Advocate
Score
97
Date
2025-03-20
"Planted in 1999, the Ma Belle Fille Vineyard contains Peter Michael,s highest elevation Chardonnay vines, planted at 1,700 to 1,900 feet in elevation. The vineyard was hit hard by frost in April, and winemaker Robert Fiore says that some blocks in Ma Belle Fille yielded as little as 0.6 tons per acre. The resulting 2022 Chardonnay Ma Belle Fille is dynamic and expressive. Initial touches of vanilla, allspice and pie crust give way to scents of white peach, green guava and coriander seed as it airs in the glass. The palate offers highly concentrated flavors foiled by mouthwatering acidity, and it has a very long finish laced with tropical flower perfume and latent spicy undertones. It will gain savory complexity in the cellar over the next 10-15 years. 1,040 cases were made."
2022
Vinous
Score
95
Date
2024-07-15
"The 2022 Chardonnay Ma Belle Fille is fabulous. Fruit came in over the course of a month, which might help the wine's complexity and myriad dimensions. Orange blossom, spice, mint, chamomile, spice and kiss of French oak caress the palate. Silky and resonant, with gorgeous layers, the 2022 offers tons of nuance. I especially admire the way it opens with aeration. Brisk acids extend the finish."
2022
Wine Spectator
Score
95
Date
2024-05-01
"A lovely, juicy and aromatic blend of candied lemon peel, orange blossoms, mango and grilled peach, with notes of almond oil, freshly grated ginger and Honeycrisp apple. Shows an ample grace note of green tea, spices and fresh herbs on a sleek frame. Drink now through 2034. —M.W."
2021
James Suckling
Score
97
Date
2024-02-22
"Wonderful clarity and brightness with basalt, flint, lime zest and hints of reduction that give the nose great intensity and subtle character. More volcanic rocks. Full-bodied and layered with such purity of fruit and great length. It opens on the palate and really talks to you. Hints of green apples, honeysuckle and seashells. Terrific finish. Drinkable now but you should wait and let it show its true excellence. Better in four or five years."
2021
Wine Advocate
Score
96
Date
2023-10-20
2021
Vinous
Score
95
Date
2023-06-01
2018
Vinous
Score
95
Date
[no Date]
2018
Wine Spectator
Score
94
Date
[no Date]