Belle Côte, "Beautiful Slope," the first estate-grown Chardonnay offered by Peter Michael Winery, and shows the potential of the mountain vineyards. Belle Cote is a contrasting site with thicker soils and an eastern facing exposure. Sloped away from the afternoon sun and sheltered by a stand of trees on its western border, the vines are exceptionally slow to ripen. Very intense and powerful, the nose reveals hedonistic aromas of Tasting lychee nut, white vine rose, citrus, rose petal and orange blossom, Notes with a background of mineral, bergamot orange, candied orange, yellow peach, greengage, nougat, whole nut and toasted almond. The rich seamless palate is very creamy and weighty in the mouth. Notes of brioche, almond and pain grillé coupled with natural acidity and minerals complete the mouth feel. The wine will con- tinue to develop for at least two decades.