| Region of production: | Sonoma County |
| Winery Location: | Calistoga |
| Year Established: | 1983 |
Vineyard Holdings
21.5 ha acres in Knights Valley AVA (soil is volcanic rhylite, vineyards have south-southeast exposure.)
- La Carriere: 7 ha
- Belle Côte: 6.2 ha
- Ma Belle-Fille: 8.5 ha
Top Wines Produced & Inaugural Vintages
(all sourced from the Knights Valley AVA property)
- Mon Plaisir: 1987
- Cuvée Indigène: 1998
- La Carriere: 1997
- Belle Côte: 1995
- Ma Belle-Fille: 2002
Average Total Production
- 240,000 bottles
Summary
Sir Peter Michael, founder of several electronics companies, purchased 605 acres on the western face of Mount St. Helena in Knights Valley in 1982, and vineyard plantings began in 1983. Helen Turley made the first wine, Mon Plasir Chardonnay, in 1987. The winery purchased 400 acres in 1998 within the Fort Ross Seaview AVA, with 30 acres planted to Pinot Noir. Most recently the winery purchased 41 acres in the Oakville AVA, with 26 acres planted. More than 95% of their fruit is sourced from estate vineyards. Former winemakers include Mark Aubert, Vanessa Wong and Luc Morlet. Currently wines are made by Nicolas Morlet and winery operation has been passed on to Sir Peter’s son Paul Michael.
Style & Vinification Techniques
A combination of organic and various biodynamic techniques are practiced in the vineyards. All vineyard management and harvest is done by hand. The fruit is hand-sorted multiple times once harvested. Fermentation begins with native yeasts and indigenous cultures are used for malolactic fermentation. White wines ferment in barrel with weekly bâtonnage. Only French oak barrels are used.
Producer Website: Peter Michael