Michaud Chardonnay 2004 The Pinnacles is a showy Monterey Chardonnay from the Chalone Appellation in California. It is enticing and shows a rich and smooth texture. Michaud Chardonnay expresses ripe fruit characters of apricot, nectarine and peach with a long finish. Michael Michaud is one of a trio of Chardonnay producers that have been making Chardonnay for decades with a careful touch to avoid over-use of oak, over-the-top alcohol, and all-important acid. This is an honest-to-goodness Chardonnay that reveals the place from where their grapes originate. It is one of the few Monterey California Chardonnays that is perfect for aging. Produced in very small quantities, Michaud Chadonnay 2004 is made in a style that reflects both the mineral characters of the soil and the dynamic climate. The fruit flavors are complemented by subtle spiciness and nuances of oak from the 3-year air-dried French oak barrels in which the wines are fermented and aged. Above all, the Chadonnay retains a balance with refreshing acidity, satisfying weight and texture in the mouth, multiple layers of flavor and a long elegant finish. Drink now through 2015. Less than 320 cases produced.

One of the winemakers responsible for cellar worthy California Chardonnays over many vintages is Michael Michaud. Michael's admiration and respect for the intense conditions of Monterey County's Chalone Appellation high in the Gabilan Range began when he became assistant winemaker to the legendary Richard Graff at Chalone Vineyard in 1979. In 1983 he took the reins as winemaker and was responsible for the subsequent 15 vintages at Chalone. His Chalone Chardonnays are included in James Laube's Great Chardonnays of California, and Robert Parker has written favorably of his wines, particularly those made since 1990, calling Chalone "the Montrachet of California."
Produced in very small quantities, Michaud wines are made in a style that reflects both the mineral characters of the soil and the dynamic climate. The Chardonnay expresses ripe fruit characters of apricot, nectarine and peach while the Pinot Blanc has aromas and flavors of tangerine, honey and crème brulee. The Pinot Noir suggests black cherry, blackberry and black currant. The Sangiovese is reminiscent of cranberries and pomegranates. The Syrah has flavors and aromas similar to black cherries, blueberries, black raspberries and a bit of black pepper. The fruit flavors are complemented by subtle spiciness and nuances of oak from the 3-year air-dried French oak barrels in which the wines are fermented and aged. Above all, the wines retain a balance with refreshing acidity, a satisfying weight and texture in the mouth, multiple layers of flavor and a long elegant finish.

RATINGS: With consistent 90 to 93 ratings from most rating publications, Michaud's Chardonnays are considered the elite whites from California.

Michaud Vineyard Facts:
Appellation: Chalone, Monterey County, California
Vineyard established: 1981
Vineyard elevation: 1500 ft
Soil composition: decomposed granite-clay loam, varied limestone and other mineral deposits
Varietals Planted: Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Marsanne, Syrah
Average rainfall: 12-15 inches
Winery founded: 1997
Cases Produced: 3200
Wines released: Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Syrah
Vineyard sources: 100% estate