The 2010 growing season was even longer than most in the Highlands. Above average rainfall in the spring combined with cool summer temperatures delayed the vines by about two weeks. Warm weather in late September ripened the fruit for a harvest that lasted through the end of October. The grapes achieved full phenolic ripeness due to the lighter, concentrated crop.
The Vineyard
The Double L Vineyard is well situated to produce Chardonnay of the highest caliber. Located near the northern tip of the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, the vineyard receives brisk afternoon breezes from the Monterey Bay. North-south vineyard row orientation allows for optimum sun exposure on The Highlands’ east facing terraces. Wind and sun combine for a long growing season, resulting in vibrant fruit flavors with balanced acidity. The vineyard was certified organic in 2002, although it has been conscientiously farmed in this method since the original plantings in 1997.
The Process
The grapes are picked when the flavor and acid balance is optimal. Hand sorted grapes are gently pressed as whole clusters to yield the highest quality juice. Then, the juice is fermented in the finest French oak barrels: 40% new and a combination of one & two year old barrels. Malo-lactic fermentation and lees stirring is performed to obtain the Morgan balance: creaminess with bright tropical fruit and minerality.
The Experience
Creme brulee, grapefruit and hazelnut aromas are given character by the sweet spice of lightly toasted oak. One of the finest food wines, apricot and white peach are deftly accompanied by a smooth creaminess which will be well served with flavorful seafood and poultry dishes as well as a buttery steak.
The Facts
Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands, California
Barrel Aging: 10 months in 100% French oak
Alcohol: 13.8%
pH: 3.25
Acidity: 6.4 g/L
Malo-lactic: 60%
Conscientious, innovative farming regimens allied with traditional, “minimalist” winemaking techniques craft wines of balance, elegance and distinction. For Morgan Winery, this single-minded focus has produced a record of consistent, category leading, award winning wines.
Dan’s goal is to produce wines that are “true” - true to the variety and vineyard source and show true balance and complexity, while being enjoyable upon release. Morgan delivers consistency from bottle to bottle, vintage to vintage by nurturing sustainable, long-term relationships with their own vineyard and cellar crews, top-notch growers, and the finest French barrel coopers.
In 2005, Gianni Abate joined Morgan as winemaker, allowing Dan Lee to concentrate on developing the Double L Estate. The creative partnership between Dan and Gianni has proved highly successful, taking the Morgan portfolio to new heights in quality and popularity.
"Heavy-handed up front with the toasty oak, which suppresses the more delicate pear and honeydew melon notes underneath. Needs time. Best from 2013 through 2021. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 600 cases made." –JL
Wine Enthusiast - 92 pts
"A big, flashy wine that’s fabulously rich in flavors of pineapple, orange and lemon custard, and liberally accented with the creme brulee and vanilla from it’s time in new French oak. Fresh acidity, minerality from the soil and a dry finish bring an elegant touch to this ripe Chardonnay."
| Alcohol By Volume: | 13.8% |
| Barrel Type: | French Oak |
| Body: | Medium |
| Color: | Pale Yellow |
| Flavor Pairing: | Creamy |
| Food Pairing: | Pasta, Chicken |
| On the Nose: | Hazelnut, Grapefruit |
| On the Palate: | White Peach, Oak, Grapefruit, Creme Brulee, Apricot |
| Serving Recommendation: | Slightly Chilled |
| Texture: | Creamy |
| Varietal: | Chardonnay |
