Peter Michael Winery Chardonnay La Carriere 2018 (750ML)

98 JS / 97+ WA

Aromas of honeysuckle, lemon curd, dried pineapple, matchstick and toasted hazelnut. It’s medium-to full-bodied with crisp acidity and seamless layers of fruit and flint. Great energy and intensity here. Drink or hold. James Suckling

La Carriere is situated at an elevation of around 1,200-1,700 feet with a rocky, shallow, volcanic soil that gives low fertility and is among the lowest yields of all the Peter Michael vineyards. The vineyard is planted to Dijon and Hyde (Old Wente) clone selections. This 2018 Chardonnay la Carriere starts off very citrusy, leaping from the glass with notes of fresh limes and grapefruit, before coming through with alluring honey-drizzled peaches, fresh ginger and preserved kumquat notes. The medium to full-bodied palate is super-intense with beautiful tension lighting up a shimmering palate of citrus and mineral layers, finishing long and steely. 2,642 cases were made. LPB – The Wine Advocate (Feb 2021)