Peter Michael Winery Chardonnay La Carriere 2021 (750ML)

95-97 WA / 95+ WI / 95 WS / 95 VM / 94 JD

I tasted the 2021 Chardonnay La Carrière as a finished tank sample the day before it was bottled. It comes from vines planted in 1994 on volcanic soils and was matured for 12 months in about 40% new French oak. It opens soft and creamy on the nose, gaining in intensity as it blossoms to scents of matchstick, saline, Meyer lemons and wafts of lemongrass. The medium-bodied palate has a satiny texture and focused acidity to support its expansive, perfumed fruit, and its classy new oak character is already well integrated. I love this juxtaposition of concentrated flavor and shimmery, energetic acidity. 2,128 cases were made. This will be released in February 2023.—Erin Borrks, The Wine Advocate

The 2021 La Carriere rolls out of the glass with evocative scents of chalk dust, shaved almonds, and baking bread, giving way to a gorgeous core of fresh pears, white peaches, and lime blossoms. The medium-bodied palate is elegantly styled and seamless, with layers of savory nuances and a long chalky finish. Yields here were exceptionally low this year.-Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent

Exquisite, with power and delicacy to the butterscotch pudding, marmalade and fresh peach flavors at the core. But this white is just getting started, showing lemon zest, fresh rosemary flowers and candied ginger notes that add complexity and length, plus litsea oil accents, vibrant acidity and a supple texture. Drink now through 2029. 2,128 cases made.-MaryAnne Worobiec, Wine Spectator

The 2021 Chardonnay La Carrière is bursting with energy. Lemon confit, marzipan, white flowers, mint and tangerine peel are all beautifully sculpted in this super-expressive, nuanced Chardonnay. I very much like the minerality here. This is the steepest slope at Peter Michael, blocks with low vigor and therefore low yields.-Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

A brilliant straw color, the 2021 Chardonnay La Carriere is fragrant with fresh lime zest, jasmine, and Williams pear. Medium to full-bodied, notes of candied green apple, green melon, and lemon curd are revealed in this fresh, lively white, which has great freshness, notable energy, and vibrant purity. Drink 2023-2032.-Audrey Frick, JebDunnuck