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 mid-October. The grapes achieved full phenolic ripeness due to the lighter, concentrated crop.
The Vineyard
Rosella’s Vineyard, owned and farmed by Gary Franscioni and named for his wife, is one of the most famous estates in the Santa Lucia Highlands. It has provided both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay to Morgan for many years. Located just south of our own Double L Vineyard, Rosella’s was planted in 1996 to several Dijon clones at 1089 vines per acre.
<span 2010="" \"\\"\\"\"""="" a="" about="" above="" achieved="" average="" by="" combined="" concentrated="" cool="" crop.="" delayed="" due="" even="" font-family:="" for="" fruit="" full="" grapes="" growing="" harvest="" highlands.="" in="" lasted="" late="" longer="" mid-october.="" most="" phenolic="" rainfall="" ripened="" ripeness="" season="" september="" span="" spring="" style="" \"\\"\\\\"font-size:\\"\"""="" summer="" temperatures="" than="" that="" the="" through="" to="" two="" vines="" warm="" was="" weather="" weeks.="" with=""><u><strong>The Process</strong></u><br> Whole cluster pressing retained the natural acidity and tropical fruit flavors. The must was barrel fermented in 36% new Burgundy barrels. 65% malo- lactic fermentation and sur lies aging provides richness and complexity to the wine. Dijon clone 96 was used to construct the blend. </span></p> <span font-family:="" \"\"""="" style="" \"\\\\\"""=""><u><strong>The Experience</strong></u><br> The nose displays notes of apricot, nectarine and butterscotch. Tangerine flavors seamlessly integrate with pear and creme brulee. Perfectly placed acidity balances the rich, creamy finish. The combination of richness and acidity is ideal for dishes such as salmon with beurre blanc sauce or a creamy chicken risotto. <br><br><u><strong>The Facts</strong></u><br>Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay<br>Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands, California<br>Barrel Aging: 11 months in French oak (25% new)<br>Alcohol: 14.4%<br>pH: 3.27<br>Acidity: 6.5 g/L<br>Malo-lactic: 65%<br></span></div><p></p><p></p> <p></p>
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.
| Aging Potential: | Ready to Drink |
| Alcohol By Volume: | 14.4% |
| Barrel Type: | French Oak |
| Body: | Medium |
| Color: | Pale Yellow |
| Flavor Pairing: | Creamy |
| Food Pairing: | Pasta, Chicken |
| On the Nose: | Nectarine, Butterscotch, Apricot |
| On the Palate: | Tangerine, Creme Brulee |
| Serving Recommendation: | Slightly Chilled |
| Texture: | Creamy |
| Varietal: | Chardonnay |
