As the oldest of three Peter Michael estate Chardonnay vineyards, Belle Côte exemplifies how well suited these mountain vineyard sites are for consistently producing exceptionally high quality Chardonnay. Given the naturally cool climate of the vineyard’s high elevation, and the fact that the site is sheltered from the hot afternoon sun by its southeastern exposure and a stand of trees on its western border, the vines are exceptionally slow to ripen.
Winter 2004 was characterized by persistent heavy rains, giving way to a sustained heat spell mid-way through March, thereby granting us an early-to-normal bud break for our Chardonnay. The bloom period was sunny and warm throughout May and resulted in great berry set. Following a hot, dry summer, we entered the final stages of ripening at a consistent, steady and even pace. Because of sustained temperatures in the 90’s, harvest began early in late August and culminated midway through September.
