Rare new Chardonnay release from cult winery Peter Michael. Limited.

L’Après-Midi Estate Sauvignon Blanc is one of Peter Michael's two estate-grown Sauvignon Blanc/Sémillon blends. The grapes are grown alongside red Bordeaux varietals at 1,000–1,200 feet, where they benefit from the steep slopes, excellent drainage, and cool air at altitude. The wine is whole-cluster-pressed and naturally fermented in a barrel, the winery explains: "forgoing a second malolactic fermentation in order to preserve the fruity and zesty character of the Sauvignon Blanc. It is predominantly made from Sauvignon Blanc, with just a touch of Sémillon."

97 Points James Suckling: "Aromas of green mango, cooked pear, lemon curd and quince. Lemon wax, flint and toasted almonds, too. It’s full-bodied with a creamy, oily texture. Dense and phenolic with fantastic concentration. Yet, it remains agile and always so balanced and focused. 90% sauvignon blanc and 10% semillon. Drink or hold."

95 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "One of the finest expressions of this variety I was able to taste for this report, the Peter Michael Sauvignon Blanc L'Apres-Midi has a rich, concentrated, medium to full-bodied style as well as stunning notes of stone fruits, toasted nuts, and sappy green herbs. This isn't your simple, quaffable Sauvignon Blanc, and it's textured, has plenty of mid-palate depth, and stunning length."

...Peter Michael is an impeccably run, world-class winery and it is probably impossible to find a greater set of Chardonnays anywhere else in the world, with one exception – the seven cuvées of Chardonnay made by Mark Aubert, ironically, one of Peter Michael’s former winemakers!"