2020 Peter Michael Chardonnay ‘Ma Belle-Fille’ Knights Valley

Made from grapes grown at the very highest elevation of our property, Ma Belle-Fille is just enough above the cooler La Carrière to crest the summer fogs and is usually the first Chardonnay harvested during each vintage. Layers of baked apple and nectarine round out the lean citrus and vivid minerality it shares with La Carrière.

Ma Belle-Fille was named by Sir Peter as a warm tribute to Emily Michael, his daughter-in-law and mother of the third generation of the family. Paul describes the wine as beautiful, generous and complex, which we think is an apt description of our Emily as well.

Critical Acclaim:


Jeb Dunnuck - "The nose of the 2020 Chardonnay Ma Belle-Fille is layered with fresh and citrus tones, with lime blossom, white flowers, and lemon pith. The mouthfeel is stony and has more tension while still having a classic viscous feel. "


Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - "Matured for 12 months in about 40% new French oak, the 2020 Chardonnay Ma Belle Fille gains aromatic intensity as it spends time in the glass, segueing from matchstick, nutmeg and panna cotta to wafts of honey, apricot, lilac and lemon peel. Medium-bodied and ultra silky, it expands in the mouth from bright citrus to more savory, honeyed fruits. It offers generous, juicy acidity and a very long, ethereal finish. Still flaunting a touch of new-oak character, it will benefit from a couple years in bottle or some time in the decanter."