Mon Plaisir
Chardonnay
From the Estate Vineyard in Knights Valley, Sonoma County
Overview
'Mon Plaisir' ("My Pleasure") is the original Peter Michael Chardonnay, produced in every vintage since 1987. Mon Plaisir is one of our mountainside estate vineyards in Knights Valley planted entirely to the Old Wente clone. The vineyard is a perfect combination of full sun exposure and abundant cooling marine influences. This produces low yields and enhances the extracted perfume that makes ‘Mon Plaisir’ a pure classic style, offering a silky mouthfeel, lemon custard nose, and subtle brioche accents - the most lush of our four single vineyard estate Chardonnays. Long, natural alcoholic and malolactic fermentations further develop this intense and complex bouquet while adding ample gras and a round mouthfeel.
Pronunciation
(mohn pley-zeer) French for “my pleasure”
Current Vintage
Vintage Notes
After an adequate amount of rain in December preceding the 2022 growing season, January and February were both dry, which triggered a slightly early budbreak in the Chardonnay vineyards. An early spring frost tempered potential yields. During bloom, the weather was highly variable, culminating in an early May storm that brought hail, snow, and rain, which dramatically reduced fruit set and ultimately yields for all the Chardonnay blocks. A moderate July was followed by some heat spikes in August and record high temperatures during several days in early September, followed by a temperate last half of September. The Chardonnay harvest began on August 15 and was completed on October 4.
Winegrowing Notes
Mon Plaisir is chosen from a specific parcel of our mountainside estate vineyards in Knights Valley planted entirely to the Old Wente clone. The vineyard is a perfect combination of full sun exposure and abundant cooling marine influences. This produces low yields and enhances the extracted perfume that makes ‘Mon Plaisir’ a pure classic style. Long, natural alcoholic and malolactic fermentations further develop this intense and complex bouquet while adding ample gras and a round mouthfeel.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
The eye-catching, light yellow 2022 ‘Mon Plaisir’ leaps from the glass with a blend of vanilla cream, brioche, lemon curd and jasmine accented with hints of nougat, orange zest and baking spices. The plush entry is followed by a round, broad, creamy mid-palate with ample gras and a balanced level of acid which provides tension to this classic expression of ‘Mon Plaisir’.
Harvested
August 22–September 10
Bottled Unfiltered
February 1, 2024
Appellation(s)
Knights Valley
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. 100% barrel-fermented in 100% French oak from select artisan coopers. Barrel-aged sur lies for twelve months with weekly bâtonnage
Release Date
September 1, 2024
Alcohol
14.7%
Blend
100% Chardonnay
Past Vintages
Vintage Notes
Following some rain in January and February, the remainder of the 2021 growing season was dry, and the soil profiles in our Knights Valley Estate vineyards were drier than normal. This contributed to a slightly earlier than normal budbreak and bloom. The drier conditions and earlier budbreak were followed by more variable weather during the Chardonnay blooming period, resulting in less fruit setting and low yields. Moderate summer temperatures allowed for a long, steady ripening period and ultimately yielded highly concentrated, expressive berries for the 2021 vintage. The Chardonnay harvest began on August 18 and was completed on September 20.
Winegrowing Notes
Mon Plaisir is chosen from a specific parcel of our mountainside estate vineyards in Knights Valley planted entirely to the Old Wente clone. The vineyard is a perfect combination of full sun exposure and abundant cooling marine influences. This produces low yields and enhances the extracted perfume that makes ‘Mon Plaisir’ a pure classic style. Long, natural alcoholic and malolactic fermentations further develop this intense and complex bouquet while adding ample gras and a round mouthfeel.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
The 2021 ‘Mon Plaisir’ shimmers light yellow in the glass as notes of honeysuckle, vanilla custard, and white lilacs accentuate the highly aromatic nose. Additional hints of white peach, brioche, and nougat add to the complexity of the bouquet. A generous, plush entry seamlessly leads to a broad, intense midpalate with a creamy mouthfeel and soft finish.
Harvested
August 30–September 8
Bottled Unfiltered
February 9, 2023
Appellation(s)
Knights Valley
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. 100% barrel-fermented in 100% French oak from select artisan coopers. Barrel-aged sur lies for twelve months with weekly bâtonnage
Release Date
September 1, 2023
Alcohol
15.1%
Blend
100% Chardonnay
Vintage Notes
In 2020, we saw the first February with no rainfall in recorded history. The rains eventually arrived, with some particularly late storms occurring in May and even the very beginning of June. As a result, fruit set was variable in our Chardonnay vineyards, which resulted in lower yields and high-quality fruit. Late-spring rainfall resulted in a good soil-moisture profile at the beginning of the growing season. For our Knights Valley Estate Chardonnay vineyards, 2020 was overall a cooler growing season punctuated with a series of heat spikes in August and September. The Chardonnay harvest spanned six weeks, with the first Ma Belle-Fille block harvested August 19 and the last Belle Côte block coming in on September 23.
Winegrowing Notes
‘Mon Plaisir’ is chosen from a specific parcel of our mountainside estate vineyards in Knights Valley planted entirely to the Old Wente clone. The vineyard is a perfect combination of full sun exposure and abundant cooling marine influences. This produces low yields and enhances the extracted perfume that makes ‘Mon Plaisir’ a pure, classic style. Long, natural alcoholic and malolactic fermentations further develop this intense and complex bouquet while adding ample gras and a round mouthfeel.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
The 2020 ‘Mon Plaisir’ shows straw and golden highlights as its white peach, lemon curd, fresh butter, and white blossom bouquet soars from the glass. The beautiful, round entry caresses the tongue with a plush, generous mouthfeel. Exceptional gras, with hints of candied almonds, brioche, and orange peel, extend the midpalate through to a long, generous finish of lemon custard and vanilla bean accents.
Harvested
August 27–September 11
Bottled Unfiltered
February 11, 2021
Appellation(s)
Knights Valley
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. 100% barrel-fermented in 100% French oak from select artisan coopers. Barrel-aged sur lies for twelve months with weekly bâtonnage
Release Date
September 1, 2022
Alcohol
14.7%
Blend
100% Chardonnay
Vintage Notes
The 2018 growing season began with abundant winter rainfall. Spring weather was cool and blooming, while delayed a bit, took place in almost perfect conditions resulting in a generous fruit set. The vines were vigorous thanks to the winter rains. Aggressive canopy management and fruit thinning brought the crop into optimal balance. Summer temperatures were moderate with no severe heat spikes. An extended summer allowed our Chardonnay to gradually reach perfect ripeness. The moderate temperatures permitted a gradual harvest, resulting in an elegant vintage with classic flavors and excellent concentration.
Winegrowing Notes
Mon Plaisir is chosen from a specific parcel of our mountainside estate vineyards in Knights Valley planted entirely to the Old Wente clone. The vineyard is a perfect combination of full sun exposure and abundant cooling marine influences. This produces low yields and enhances the extracted perfume that makes Mon Plaisir a pure classic style. Long, natural alcoholic and malolactic fermentations further develop this intense and complex bouquet while adding ample ‘gras’ and a round mouth feel.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
True to its name this wine is indeed a pleasure: intense and fragrant. The 2018 Mon Plaisir displays an explosion of fresh butter, orchard fruits, honey, white rose, jasmine with subtle notes of greengage. The palate is rich, full-bodied and creamy with beautiful hints of fresh lemon, pear, apple, and fresh almond. A mineral character coated by ‘Pain d’épices’, crystallized Tahitian vanilla and cloves complete the mouthfeel of this wine and its long finish with complementary accents reminiscent of a forest after the rain. Enjoyable now, it will age for a decade or more.
Harvested
October 7 to October 15
Bottled Unfiltered
February 5, 2021
Appellation(s)
Knights Valley
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. 100% barrel-fermented in 100% French oak from select artisan coopers. Barrel-aged sur lies for twelve months with weekly bâtonnage
Release Date
April 1, 2021
Alcohol
14.3%
Blend
100% Chardonnay
Vintage Notes
The 2018 growing season began with abundant winter rainfall. Spring weather was cool and blooming, while delayed a bit, took place in almost perfect conditions resulting in a generous fruit set. The vines were vigorous thanks to the winter rains. Aggressive canopy management and fruit thinning brought the crop into optimal balance. Summer temperatures were moderate with no severe heat spikes. An extended summer allowed our Chardonnay to gradually reach perfect ripeness. The moderate temperatures permitted a gradual harvest, resulting in an elegant vintage with classic flavors and excellent concentration.
Winegrowing Notes
Mon Plaisir is chosen from a specific parcel of our mountainside estate vineyards in Knights Valley planted entirely to the Old Wente clone. The vineyard is a perfect combination of full sun exposure and abundant cooling marine influences. This produces low yields and enhances the extracted perfume that makes Mon Plaisir a pure classic style. Long, natural alcoholic and malolactic fermentations further develop this intense and complex bouquet while adding ample ‘gras’ and a round mouth feel.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
True to its name this wine is indeed a pleasure: intense and fragrant. The 2018 Mon Plaisir displays an explosion of fresh butter, orchard fruits, honey, white rose, jasmine with subtle notes of greengage. The palate is rich, full-bodied and creamy with beautiful hints of fresh lemon, pear, apple, and fresh almond. A mineral character coated by ‘Pain d’épices’, crystallized Tahitian vanilla and cloves complete the mouthfeel of this wine and its long finish with complementary accents reminiscent of a forest after the rain. Enjoyable now, it will age for a decade or more.
Harvested
September 6 – 12, 2018
Bottled Unfiltered
February 6, 2020
Appellation(s)
Knights Valley
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. 100% barrel-fermented in 100% French oak from select artisan coopers. Barrel-aged sur lies for twelve months with weekly bâtonnage
Release Date
April 1, 2020
Alcohol
14.2%
Blend
100% Chardonnay
Vintage Notes
The 2017 growing season began with abundant rainfall, ending California’s long drought. Spring weather was cool but dry, resulting in an extended blooming period and some shatter. Vines were vigorous thanks to the winter rains. Aggressive canopy management and fruit thinning brought the crop into optimal balance. Warmer than normal conditions after veraison accelerated ripening and required careful irrigation to mitigate dehydration. A return of cooler conditions allowed our Chardonnay to gradually reach perfect ripeness. Picking was completed on September 28 with a slightly smaller than normal harvest, resulting in a forward, exotic vintage of Chardonnay with wines showing uncommon richness.
Winegrowing Notes
Mon Plaisir is chosen from a specific parcel of our mountainside estate vineyards in Knights Valley planted entirely to the Old Wente clone. The vineyard is a perfect combination of full sun exposure and abundant cooling marine influences. This produces low yields and enhances the extracted perfume that makes Mon Plaisir a pure classic style. Long, natural alcoholic and malolactic fermentations further develop this intense and complex bouquet while adding ample ‘gras’ and a round mouth feel.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
True to its name, the wine is indeed a pleasure: intense and perfumed. The 2017 Mon Plaisir displays an exquisite bouquet of candied fruit, orange, lemon cream, fresh butter, grapefruit and a flint-like minerality, with subtle notes of greengage. The palate is rich, full-bodied and creamy with beautiful hints of fresh lemon, pear, apple and brioche. A mineral character with hints of pain grillé and almond complete the mouth feel of this wine and its long finish. Enjoyable now, it will age for a decade or more.
Harvested
September 2 - 7, 2017
Bottled Unfiltered
February 8, 2019
Appellation(s)
Knights Valley
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. 100% barrel-fermented in 100% French oak from select artisan coopers. Barrel-aged sur lies for twelve months with weekly bâtonnage
Release Date
September 1, 2019
Alcohol
14.4%
Blend
100% Chardonnay
Vintage Notes
The near perfect 2016 growing season started with a warm February and early bud break. While California’s drought continued, rains were sufficient to meet the vineyard’s needs. Cool damp conditions at blooming resulted in a smaller than normal fruit set. After veraison, a single pass of green harvest brought the crop into optimal balance. Overall, the vintage was slightly cooler than average, with consistently warm and sunny conditions and only one heat spike. Moderate temperatures at harvest allowed gradual picking as each block achieved perfection, providing excellent flavor development and slightly lower potential alcohol. The vintage produced delicate, classically styled Chardonnays with crisp acidity and uncommon ageability.
Winegrowing Notes
Mon Plaisir is chosen from a specific parcel of our mountainside estate vineyards in Knights Valley planted entirely to the Old Wente clone. The vineyard is a perfect combination of full sun exposure and abundant cooling marine influences. This produces low yields and enhances the extracted perfume that makes Mon Plaisir a pure classic style. Long, natural alcoholic and malolactic fermentations further develop this intense and complex bouquet while adding ample “gras” and a round mouth feel.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
The wine is intense and perfumed, exhibiting an exquisite bouquet of lemon cream, fresh butter, grapefruit and a flint-like minerality, with subtle notes of greengage. The palate is rich, full-bodied and creamy with beautiful hints of fresh lemon, pear, apple and brioche. A mineral character with hints of pain grillé and almond complete the mouthfeel of this wine and its long finish. True to its name, the 2016 Mon Plaisir is indeed a pleasure. Enjoyable now, it will age for a 15 years or more.
Harvested
August 29 - September 5, 2016
Bottled Unfiltered
February 9, 2018
Appellation(s)
Knights Valley
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. 100% barrel-fermented in 100% French oak from select artisan coopers. Barrel-aged sur lies for twelve months with weekly bâtonnage
Release Date
September 1, 2018
Alcohol
13.9%
Blend
100% Chardonnay
Vintage Notes
The winter was dry, with only 75% of normal rainfall, continuing four years of drought. Unseasonably warm temperatures accelerated bud break by three to four weeks. While May brought welcomed rain, the cool moist conditions extended the blooming period and led to an uneven fruit set. The crop was small, and hand thinning to ensure even maturation reduced the yields further. Steady warm temperatures dominated the remainder of the growing season providing ideal ripening conditions. No doubt affected by the drought, juice yields were the lowest ever for our estate Chardonnay. Flavors and acidity remained exceptionally bright, balanced and concentrated, resulting in a very small but intense and elegant 2015 vintage.
Winegrowing Notes
Mon Plaisir is chosen from a specific parcel of our mountainside estate vineyards in Knights Valley planted entirely to the Old Wente clone. The vineyard is a perfect combination of full sun exposure and abundant cooling marine influences. This produces low yields and enhances the extracted perfume that makes Mon Plaisir a pure classic style. Long, natural alcoholic and malolactic fermentations further develop this intense and complex bouquet while adding ample “gras” and a round mouth feel.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
True to its name, the wine is indeed a pleasure: intense and perfumed. 2015 Mon Plaisir displays an exquisite bouquet of lemon cream, fresh butter, grapefruit and a flint-like minerality, with subtle notes of honeysuckle. The palate is rich, full-bodied and creamy with beautiful hints of fresh lemon, pear, greengage, apple and brioche. A mineral character with hints of pain grillé and almond complete the mouth feel of this wine and its long finish. Enjoyable now, it will age for a decade or more.
Harvested
August 14 – 21, 2015
Bottled Unfiltered
February 9, 2017
Appellation(s)
Knights Valley
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. 100% barrel-fermented in 100% French oak from select artisan coopers. Barrel-aged sur lies for 11 months with weekly bâtonnage
Release Date
September 1, 2017
Alcohol
14.6%
Blend
100% Chardonnay
Vintage Notes
The winter was dry with only 70% of normal rainfall, continuing three years of drought. Unseasonably warm temperatures in early spring accelerated bud break by four weeks. The growing season benefited from moderate temperatures. However, early use of drip irrigation was critical for the health of the vines. Only one pass of thinning was required to achieve a balanced crop load. Ideal Indian summer conditions allowed us to calmly harvest each block as it achieved optimal ripeness. Yields were higher than average, but due to dehydration the skins and the pulps of the berries were thicker than normal, resulting in low juice yields at the press, and exceptional concentration in the wines.
Winegrowing Notes
Mon Plaisir is chosen from a specific parcel of our mountainside estate vineyards in Knights Valley planted entirely to the Old Wente clone. The vineyard is a perfect combination of full sun exposure and abundant cooling marine influences. This produces low yields and enhances the extracted perfume that makes Mon Plaisir a pure classic style. Long, natural alcoholic and malolactic fermentations further develop this intense and complex bouquet while adding ample “gras” and a round mouthfeel.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
The wine is intense and perfumed, exhibiting an exquisite bouquet of lemon cream, fresh butter, grapefruit and a flint-like minerality, with subtle notes of spring flowers. The palate is rich, full-bodied and creamy with beautiful hints of fresh lemon, pear, greengage, Mirabelle plum, mangosteen and brioche. A mineral character with hints of pain grillé and almond complete the mouthfeel of this wine and its long finish. True to its name, the 2014 Mon Plaisir is indeed a pleasure. Enjoyable now, it will age for a decade or more.
Harvested
August 25 – September 3, 2014
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
February 5, 2016
Appellation(s)
Knights Valley
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. 100% barrel-fermented in 100% French oak from select artisan coopers. Barrel-aged sur lies for 11 months with weekly bâtonnage
Release Date
September 1, 2016
Alcohol
14.6%
Blend
100% Chardonnay
Vintage Notes
The 2013 growing season began with a dry spring and mild temperatures, as did the previous vintage. In early May, two days of violent winds damaged our Chardonnay vineyards. This resulted in uneven bloom and set, despite the otherwise ideal weather conditions. The vineyard crew carefully repruned the vines and executed multiple passes of green harvest. The already small crop was further reduced to one cluster per shoot, bringing the vines back into balance and ensuring the quality of the harvest. From veraison through picking, the vines enjoyed ideal ripening conditions. A long Indian summer allowed the fruit to reach perfect maturity and contributed to the exceptional quality of this small vintage.
Winegrowing Notes
Mon Plaisir 2013 is chosen from a specific parcel of our mountainside estate vineyards in Knights Valley, planted entirely to the Old Wente clone. The vineyard is a perfect combination of full sun exposure and abundant cooling marine influences. This produces low yields and enhances the extracted perfume that makes Mon Plaisir a pure classic style. Long, natural alcoholic and malolactic fermentations further develop this intense and complex bouquet while adding ample “gras” and a round mouth feel.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
True to its name, the wine is indeed a pleasure: intense and perfumed. Mon Plaisir 2013 displays an exquisite bouquet of lemon cream, fresh butter and candied grapefruit, with subtle notes of spring flowers. The palate is rich, full-bodied and creamy with beautiful hints of fresh lemons, pear, grapefruit, jasmine, Mirabelle, vanilla, whole nut and brioche. A mineral character with hints of pain grillé and hazelnut complete the mouth feel of this wine and its long finish. Enjoyable now, it will age for a decade and more.
Harvested
August 28 – September 11, 2013
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
February 16, 2015
Appellation(s)
Knights Valley
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. 100% barrel-fermented in 100% French oak from select artisan coopers. Barrel-aged sur lies for 11 months with weekly bâtonnage
Release Date
September 1, 2015
Alcohol
14.7%
Blend
100% Chardonnay
Vintage Notes
Classic and well-balanced only begins to explain the beauty of the 2012 vintage. Conditions were optimal with ideal spring bud break, even flowering and fruit set, and plenty of warm, long summer days. A few small heat spikes in September and October brought great concentration and color to the fruit. A long Indian summer of mild temperatures and sunny days was an important factor in the ripening process. We thinned the crop rigorously, keeping only the most perfect clusters. The vineyard crew was able to harvest when the fruit had reached perfect balance and ripeness levels. The 2012 Chardonnay vintage displays exceptional structure and quality.
Winegrowing Notes
Mon Plaisir 2012 is the third vintage produced entirely from our estate vineyards. It is chosen from a specific parcel of our mountainside estate vineyards in Knights Valley planted entirely to the Old Wente clone. The vineyard is a perfect combination of full sun exposure and abundant cooling marine influences. This produces low yields and enhances the extracted perfume that makes Mon Plaisir a pure classic style. Long, natural alcoholic and malolactic fermentations further develop this intense and complex bouquet while adding ample “gras” and a round mouthfeel.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
True to its name, the wine is indeed a pleasure: intense and perfumed. Mon Plaisir 2012 displays an exquisite bouquet of lemon cream, fresh butter and candied grapefruit, with subtle notes of spring flowers. The palate is rich, full-bodied and creamy with beautiful hints of fresh lemons, pear, whole nut and brioche. A mineral character with hints of pain grillé and hazelnut complete the mouthfeel of this wine and its long finish. It will age for a decade and more.
Harvested
September 13 – September 17, 2012
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
February 1, 2014
Appellation(s)
Knights Valley
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. 100% barrel-fermented in 100% French oak from select artisan coopers. Barrel-aged sur lies for 11 months with weekly bâtonnage
Release Date
April 1, 2014
Alcohol
15.4%
Blend
100% Chardonnay
Vintage Notes
The 2011 growing season started with a cool wet spring. While our vineyards did not experience any frost, the temperatures delayed bud break. Windy conditions during bloom reduced the size of the crop. The weather from fruit set through harvest stayed even, cool and mild. This coupled with the ample spring rains allowed us to dry farm in this vintage. To ensure proper ripening, we thinned the crop further and managed the canopy meticulously. Harvest occurred one month later than usual, but under ideal weather conditions. We picked the grapes with full flavor development and at a lower than average sugar content. The yields were very low, but the resulting wines are flavorful and elegant, exuding precision and balance.
Winegrowing Notes
Mon Plaisir 2011 is the second vintage produced entirely from our estate vineyards. It is chosen from a specific parcel of our mountainside estate vineyards in Knights Valley planted entirely to the Old Wente clone. The vineyard is a perfect combination of full sun exposure and abundant cooling marine influences. This produces low yields and enhances the extracted perfume that makes Mon Plaisir a pure classic style. Long, natural alcoholic and malolactic fermentations further develop this intense and complex bouquet while adding ample “gras” and a round mouthfeel.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
The wine is intense and perfumed, exhibiting a bouquet of lemon cream, honey, and candied grapefruit, with subtle notes of spring flowers. The palate is rich, full-bodied and boasts a creamy mouthfeel with stunning hints of stone fruits, pear, dry apricot and brioche. A mineral character and suggestions of pain grillé and hazelnut complete each taste alongside its spectacular, long finish; it is enjoyable now and will continue developing for seven-plus years.
Harvested
October 1, 2011 to October 8, 2011
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
April 23, 2013
Appellation(s)
Knights Valley
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. 100% barrel-fermented in 100% French oak from select artisan coopers. Barrel-aged sur lies for 11 months with weekly bâtonnage
Release Date
September 1, 2013
Alcohol
14.8%
Blend
100% Chardonnay
Vintage Notes
Overall, the 2010 vintage was very mild resulting in a small production of beautiful fruit. Unusually late spring rains delayed bud break by almost a full month. Temperatures remained moderate, but steady throughout the summer with ripening proceeding at a very gradual pace. Extensive canopy management and crop thinning by our vineyard team insured proper maturation of the fruit. The late start to the growing season resulted in a late harvest. However, a welcome burst of heat in early September pushed the grapes to their optimal ripeness. Picking proceeded quickly, beginning in late September and into mid October. Flavors and acidity remained bright and balanced, yielding a small but intense and elegant 2010 vintage of Chardonnay
Winegrowing Notes
Mon Plaisir 2010 is the first vintage produced entirely from our estate vineyards. It is chosen from a specific parcel of our mountainside estate vineyards in Knights Valley planted entirely to the Old Wente clone. The vineyard is a perfect combination of full sun exposure and abundant cooling marine influences. This produces low yields and enhances the extracted perfume that makes Mon Plaisir a pure classic style. Long, natural alcoholic and malolactic fermentations further develop this intense and complex bouquet while adding ample “gras” and a round mouthfeel.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
True to its name, the wine is indeed a pleasure: intense and perfumed. Mon Plaisir displays an exquisite bouquet of lemon cream, vine blossom, and candied grapefruit, with subtle honey notes. The palate is rich, full-bodied and creamy with beautiful nuances of stone fruits, pear, dry apricot and brioche. A mineral character with hints of pain grillé and hazelnut complete the mouthfeel of this wine and its long finish.
Harvested
September 27, 2010 to October 8, 2010
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
February 1, 2012
Appellation(s)
Knights Valley
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. 100% barrel-fermented in 100% French oak from select artisan coopers. Barrel-aged sur lies for 11 months with weekly bâtonnage
Release Date
September 1, 2012
Alcohol
14.9%
Blend
100% Chardonnay
Vintage Notes
The lack of spring frosts coupled with later than usual rainfall made for an uneventful start to the 2009 vintage. As the growing season progressed, there were very few heat spikes, reducing the need for drip irrigation. Bloom occurred during consistently warm, sunny days, which extended late into the summer, allowing for optimal maturity. These perfect weather conditions allowed us to calmly pick the Chardonnay at the peak of ripeness during the last two weeks of September. As a result, the 2009 wines are very intense and complex with a pronounced bouquet of blossoms, fruit and minerals. The length of the wines is impressively lingering and perfumed, promising excellent aging potential.
Winegrowing Notes
Mon Plaisir 2009 was produced from two complementary vineyard sites: one located on the slopes above the Alexander Valley, the other from a specific parcel of our mountainside estate vineyards in Knights Valley. Both vineyards share a combination of full sun exposure and abundant cooling marine influences. This produces low yields and enhances the extracted perfume that makes Mon Plaisir a pure classic style. Long, natural alcoholic and malolactic fermentations further develop this intense and complex bouquet while adding ample “gras” and a round mouthfeel.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
True to its name, the wine is indeed a pleasure: intense and perfumed. Mon Plaisir displays an exquisite bouquet of lemon cream, honey, and candied grapefruit, with subtle notes of spring flowers. The palate is rich, full-bodied and creamy with stunning hints of stone fruits, pear, dry apricot and brioche. A mineral character and suggestions of pain grillé and hazelnut complete the mouthfeel of this wine and its long finish.
Harvested
September 2, 2009 to September 24, 2009
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
February 1, 2011
Appellation(s)
Knights Valley
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. 100% barrel-fermented in 100% French oak from select artisan coopers. Barrel-aged sur lies for 12 months with weekly bâtonnage
Release Date
September 1, 2011
Alcohol
14.9%
Blend
100% Chardonnay
Vintage Notes
A warm dry winter resulted in early bud break. Spring frosts coupled with strong winds in May caused some damage in our highest altitude blocks. This necessitated repruning to balance the vines. Bloom occurred in ideal conditions with warm sunny days. As the fruit developed, we observed naturally small yields. During maturation, hand thinning trimmed the crop to ensure even ripening. The warm days and low yields accelerated maturation. The Chardonnay harvest started slightly early in late August and continued to September 25. In the barrel, the 2008 wines displayed intensity and the promise of long aging potential.
Winegrowing Notes
Mon Plaisir 2008 was produced from two complementary vineyard sites: one located on the slopes above the Alexander Valley, the other from a specific parcel of our mountainside estate vineyards in Knights Valley. Both vineyards share a combination of full sun exposure and abundant cooling marine influences. This produces low yields and enhances the extracted perfume that makes Mon Plaisir a pure classic style. Long, natural alcoholic and malolactic fermentations further develop this intense and complex bouquet while adding ample “gras” and a round mouthfeel.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
True to its name, the wine is indeed a pleasure: intense and perfumed. Mon Plaisir displays an exquisite bouquet of vine blossom, golden apple, fresh butter, honey and candied grapefruit. The palate is rich, full-bodied and creamy with beautiful nuances of stone fruits, pear, dry apricot and brioche. A mineral character with hints of pain grillé and hazelnut complete the mouthfeel of this wine and its long finish.
Harvested
August 29, 2008 – September 12, 2008
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
February 2, 2010
Appellation(s)
Knights Valley
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. 100% barrel-fermented in 100% French oak from select artisan coopers. Barrel-aged sur lies for 11 months with weekly bâtonnage
Release Date
September 1, 2010
Alcohol
14.9%
Blend
100% Chardonnay
Vintage Notes
The 2007 growing season began dry. Bud break, bloom and set occurred a bit early and very evenly. The weather was perfect for fruit development from May through harvest, with warm days and cool nights: ideal for the biosynthesis of the aroma and phenolic compounds. These conditions allowed us to calmly pick the Chardonnay at the peak of ripeness. As a result, the 2007 wines are very intense and complex with a pronounced bouquet of blossoms, fruit and mineral. The length of the wines is impressively lingering and perfumed, promising excellent aging potential.
Winegrowing Notes
Mon Plaisir 2007 was produced from two complementary vineyard sites: one located on the slopes above the Alexander Valley, the other is a specific parcel of our mountainside estate vineyard in Knights Valley. Both vineyards share a combination of full sun exposure and abundant cooling marine influences. These produce low yields and enhance the extracted perfume that makes Mon Plaisir a pure classic style. Long natural alcoholic and malolactic fermentations further develop this intense and complex bouquet while adding ample “gras” and a round mouthfeel.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
True to its name, the wine is indeed a pleasure: intense and perfumed. Mon Plaisir displays an exquisite bouquet of lemon cream, honey and candied grapefruit, with subtle notes of spring flowers. The palate is rich, full-bodied and creamy with beautiful hints of fresh lemon, pear, dry apricot and brioche. A light flinty mineral character with hints of pain grillé and hazelnut complete the mouthfeel of this wine and its long finish.
Harvested
September 19-25, 2007
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
January 29, 2009
Appellation(s)
Knights Valley
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. 100% barrel-fermented in 100% French oak from select artisan coopers. Barrel-aged sur lies for 12 months with weekly bâtonnage
Release Date
September 1, 2009
Alcohol
14.9%
Blend
100% Chardonnay
Vintage Notes
Winter and spring were very wet, with hail and snow. A late spring cold snap caused slight frost damage, but did not affect quality. Bud break, bloom and set occurred a bit late but evenly. The weather was nearly ideal for fruit development after May. While there was one sharp heat spike in July, diligent attention by the vineyard staff avoided any crop damage. As the fruit matured, hand thinning trimmed the yields to a moderately low level, allowing a pure expression of terroir. Our high mountainside location kept our vines above the September fog, sparing us the Botrytis issues that damaged the Chardonnay in lower areas.
Winegrowing Notes
Mon Plaisir has been produced since 1987 from a vineyard located in the hills above Alexander Valley. The cool and low yielding vineyard enhances the extracted perfume that makes Mon Plaisir a rare single vineyard designation. Long alcoholic and malolactic fermentations allowed us to develop even further its intense and complex bouquet, as well as a round and very ‘gras’ mouthfeel.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
True to its name, this wine is indeed a pleasure: open and intense. It displays an exquisite bouquet of lemon cream, honey and candied grapefruit. The palate is rich, full-bodied and creamy with beautiful notes of fresh lemon, Mirabelle plum and golden delicious apple coupled with brioche and a flinty mineral character. Hints of pain grillé and hazelnut complete the long final mouth feel of this wine.
Harvested
September 29, 2006 - October 3, 2006
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
February 5, 2008
Appellation(s)
Knights Valley
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. 100% barrel-fermented in 100% French oak from select artisan coopers. Barrel-aged sur lies for 12 months with weekly bâtonnage
Release Date
September 1, 2008
Alcohol
14.8%
Blend
100% Chardonnay
Vintage Notes
The 2005 growing season began as a study in wildly unpredictable weather patterns. However, the legacy of 2005 will be its perfect ripening conditions. Winter and spring were beset with heavy rain. We saw hail in mid-May, only to yield to more rain just as bloom was upon us, resulting in some shatter for the Chardonnay. Just as every conceivable weather fluctuation had challenged the vines, we finally welcomed sunny and warm conditions. And it remained, giving us an extended and ideal ripening season. Conditions remained virtually perfect and resulted in a trouble-free harvest yielding great concentrated flavors with vibrant acidity for the white varietals.
Winegrowing Notes
Mon Plaisir has been produced since 1987 from a vineyard located in the hills above Alexander Valley. The cool and low yielding vineyard enhances the extracted perfume that makes Mon Plaisir a rare single vineyard designation. This year, long alcoholic and malolactic fermentations allowed us to develop even further its intense and complex bouquet, as well as a round and very ‘gras’ mouth feel.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
True to its name, this wine is indeed a pleasure: open and intense. It displays an exquisite bouquet of lemon cream, honey and candied pineapple. The palate is rich, full-bodied and creamy with beautiful notes of fresh lemon, Mirabelle plum and golden delicious apple coupled with brioche and a flinty mineral character. Hints of pain grillé and hazelnut complete the long final mouth feel of this wine.
Harvested
September 28, 2005
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
January 29, 2007
Appellation(s)
Knights Valley
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. 100% barrel-fermented in 100% French oak from select artisan coopers. Barrel-aged sur lies for 11 months with weekly bâtonnage
Release Date
September 3, 2007
Alcohol
14.4%
Blend
100% Chardonnay
Vintage Notes
Persistent heavy rains characterized Winter 2004, giving way toNotes a sustained heat spell mid-way through March. This induced an early-to-normal bud break for our Chardonnay. As the spring rains ceasedfor the season a second heat spike resulted in some of the earliestbloom the Peter Michael vineyards had ever witnessed; some in lateApril. The bloom period was sunny and warm throughout May and resulted in great berry set. Following a hot, dry summer, we enteredthe final stages of ripening at a consistent, steady and even pace.Because of sustained temperatures in the 90s, harvest began early: in late August, and culminated midway through October.
Winegrowing Notes
Mon Plaisir has been produced since 1987 from a vineyard located in the hills above Alexander Valley. The cool and low yielding vineyard enhances the extracted perfume that makes Mon Plaisir a rare single vineyard designation. This year, long alcoholic and malolactic fermentations allowed us to develop even further its intense and complex bouquet, as well as a round and very ‘gras’ mouth feel.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Open and intense, this wine is indeed a true pleasure, displaying an exquisite bouquet of lemon cream, candied pineapple and honey. The palate is rich, full-bodied and creamy with beautiful fresh lemon, golden delicious apple, brioche and mineral notes. Hints of pain grillé and hazelnut complete the long final mouth feel of this wine.
Harvested
September 8-11, 2004
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
February 6, 2006
Appellation(s)
Knights Valley
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. 100% barrel-fermented in 100% French oak from select artisan coopers. Barrel-aged sur lies for 11 months with weekly bâtonnage
Release Date
September 1, 2006
Alcohol
14.6%
Blend
100% Chardonnay
Vintage Notes
A mild and fairly dry Spring ushered in a healthy start for the vines in 2002. An even bloom and fruit-set provided an above average crop size which allowed crop thinning as the season dictated. Several heat spikes during the Summer were tempered by great air circulation thanks to the vineyard's lofty elevation. A final flush of heat over Labor Day weekend brought the fruit to optimal ripeness.
Winegrowing Notes
Mon Plaisir has been produced since 1987 from a vineyard located in the hills above Alexander Valley.The cool and low yielding vineyard enhances the extracted perfume that makes Mon Plaisir a rare single vineyard designation.This year, long alcoholic and malolactic fermentations allowed us to develop even further its intense and complex bouquet, as well as a round and very 'gras' mouthfeel.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Open and intense, this wine is indeed a true pleasure, displaying an exquisite bouquet oflemon cream, marmalade, candied pineapple and honey as well as tropical and stone fruit. The palate is rich, full-bodied and creamy with beautiful fresh lemon, Golden Delicious apple, brioche and mineral notes. Hints of pain grille and hazelnut complete the long final mouth feel of this wine.
Harvested
September 16-19, 2002
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
January 28, 2004
Appellation(s)
Knights Valley
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. 100% barrel-fermented in 100% French oak from select artisan coopers. Barrel-aged sur lies for 11 months with weekly bâtonnage
Release Date
September 1, 2004
Alcohol
14.7%
Blend
100% Chardonnay
Vintage Notes
Mon Plaisir is our flagship wine, a wine we have made continuously from the same vineyard since 1987. This small eyard located in the hills high above Alexander Valley imports distinctive and unique flavors to the wine. The cool and low yielding vineyard further enhances the extracted perfume that makes Mon Plaisir a rare single vineyard designation. At harvest, the grapes were hand picked into small bins. After whole-cluster pressing of the grapes, the juice was transferred into barrels for fermentation. Five of every ten barrels were fermented using only indigenous yeast. A weekly "batonnage"- a gentle stirring of each barrel- enhanced the wine's suppleness and complexity.
Winegrowing Notes
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
This 2000 Mon Plaisir shows exotic aromas of orange marmalade and smoked persimmon. The subtlety of white flower petals mingled with mineral essence adds to its grace and velvety elegance. Ready now. Can be cellared three to four years.
Harvested
September 6-10, 2000
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
Appellation(s)
Knights Valley
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. 100% barrel-fermented in 100% French oak from select artisan coopers. Barrel-aged sur lies for 10 months with weekly bâtonnage
Release Date
September 1, 2002
Alcohol
14.1%
Blend
100% Chardonnay
Vintage Notes
Mon Plaisir is our flagship wine, which we have produced from the same vineyard since 1987. This small vineyard located in the hills above Alexander Valley reveals the distinctive and unique flavors of its birthplace. The hillside exposure, soil, and grape clone each contribute to the wine's complexity.The cool and low yielding 1998 season further enhances the extracted perfume that makes Mon Plaisir a rare single vineyard designation. The terroir revealing aromas are even more powerful and seductive. At harvest, the grapes were hand picked into small bins. After whole-cluster pressing of the grapes, the juice was transferred into barrels for fermentation. Five of every ten barrels were fermented using only indigenous yeast. A weekly "batonnage"- a gentle stirring of each barrel enhanced the wine's suppleness and complexity.
Winegrowing Notes
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
The 1998 Mon Plaisir exhibits a densely concentrated expression of its terroir with its signature aroma of fresh apple and apricot jam. Heady and perfumed with orange marmalade undertones. Notes of lemony citrus oils and tropical aromas pervading throughout the nose. A lush palate balanced with an acidity that frames and extends the fruit flavors. Our barrel selection adds clove, vanilla cream, and grilled nut flavors, which complements the rich fruit. This wine will continue to develop for 4+ years.
Harvested
October 20-27, 1998
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
August 25, 1999
Appellation(s)
Knights Valley
Vinification
50% naturally fermented using native yeast. 100% barrel-fermented in 65% new French oak from select artisan coopers. Barrel-aged sur lies for 10 months with weekly bâtonnage
Release Date
September 1, 2000
Alcohol
14.1%
Blend
100% Chardonnay
Vineyard
Mon Plaisir Vineyard
Atop the Chardonnay ridge, planted on undulating hills to the Old Wente clone. Receives full sun exposure but provides low yields.
Soil
Rocky, volcanic-origin Rhyolite
Elevation
1,700–1,800 feet
Planted
1999
Exposure
Southeast