Remarkably, both vintages of Peter Michael’s top Chardonnay selection, the Point Rouge, may merit perfect scores. A selection of the best barrels, it is meant to age for 30 or more years. It represents the crème de la crème essence of what this estate is about. Helen Turley first coined the term by putting red dot stickers on the best barrels in the cellar, hence the name Point Rouge. This cuvée is made from Old Wente selections and some of the estate’s oldest vines, particularly the 25-year-old vines in Belle C?te. The 2012 Chardonnay Point Rouge is slightly more ostentatious and flamboyant than the 2013, with lots of orange marmalade, a full-bodied texture, creamy crème br?lée notes, exotic pineapple and a mind-boggling finish. In my 36-year career, this is one of the single greatest Chardonnays I have ever tasted. It should drink well for 10-15 years, although Peter Michael thinks it has 30 years of aging potential.