Peter Michael 'La Carriere' Chardonnay, 2020

While the winter of 2019 was wet with generous amounts of rainfall, the rocky, volcanic soil and subsoils of our estates were able to drain efficiently, releasing the excessive moisture content in the soil. From the physiological steps of budbreak to veraison, the temperatures were variable with some lows and highs. The subsequent long and quite mild summer was ideal to preserve freshness and finesse. The yields were average, but picking decisions and proper sorting were critical to achieving wines of balance, ripeness, generosity, and elegance.

The name La Carrière aptly describes this site’s bowl shape and its tremendously rocky soils. Situated between 1,200 and 1,700 feet above sea level on steep mountain slopes exceeding 40 percent in grade, the vineyard has ideal southern and southeastern exposures. The vineyard’s shallow rocky soils provide excellent drainage, low fertility, and usually the lowest yields on the estate. La Carrière, with its concentrated “liquid minerality,” effectively reflects its mountainous origin.

Aromatics derived from the terroir-driven minerality of the vineyard block resonate on the nose, reminiscent of oyster shell combined with fragrant jasmine blossom, lemon-lime zest, and fresh brioche. Decadent and creamy on the palate, the wine expresses exquisite flavors of Williams pear and Golden Reinette apple, accentuated by delightful pain d’épices with toasted almonds. The superb concentration is elegantly balanced by crisp acidity, sculpting the structure of this wine much like a grand cru. The 2019 ‘La Carrière’ will mature gracefully for the next two decades.