his wine was grown and produced from our Belle Côte
vineyard – the oldest of three Chardonnay vineyards we've planted on the Peter Michael estate. Sir Peter named the vineyard Belle Côte, which means "beautiful slope", after the famous ski run in Courcheval, France. Back in 1989 we discovered the potential of this high mountain elevation site when
our research revealed cool maritime breezes, rocky, well-drained soils of low fertility, and an ideal exposure to the morning sun. We planted the vineyard in 1990, using a classical vertical trellis system and relatively dense spacing of 1200 vines per acre.
Belle Côte was planted to three low yielding field selections of Chardonnay – the "Rued", "Old Wente" and "See". Each selection was chosen for its unique flavored aromas and for how they complemented one another. We used multiple selections to instill greater complexity, depth and concentration in the wine.

We planted the vineyard in 1990 using a classical vertical trellis system and a relatively dense spacing of 1200 vines per acre. Belle Côte was planted to three clonal selections of Chardonnay. One third of the vineyard was planted to the "Rued" clone, one third to the famous "Old Wente" clone and one third to the "See" clone. Cuttings of the Chardonnay clones were field selected from exceptional vineyards. Sir Peter named the vineyard Belle Côte, which means "beautiful slope", after the famous ski run in Courcheval, France.
The 2001 Belle Côte is a distinctly intense, hedonistic wine
entirely different than the La Carrière. A muscular and exotic
wine, it offers perfumed aromas of rose, lychee and orange, with
a background of spice. All of these characteristics follow through
to a palate that is deep and concentrated from the start to its long
finish. The Belle Côte shows its opulence now, but will continue
to develop for at least the next 10 years.
  • Harvested: September 3rd-21st, 2001
  • 100% of the cuvée was fermented using native yeast
  • 100% barrel fermented
  • Barrel aged sur lies for 11 months with weekly bâtonnage
  • Bottled without fining or filtration on January 29, 2003
  • Alcohol: 14.9%
  • Production: 2,635 cases 750 ml bottles, 60 cases magnums
  • Released April 1, 2003
PETER MICHAEL WINERY • 12400 IDA CLAYTON ROAD • KNIGHTS VALLEY, CALISTOGA, CA 94515

(800) 354-4459 • fax (707) 942-0209

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