The 2011 growing season was even longer than most in Monterey County. Harvest was a bit behind schedule due to the cool spring and summer weather that the Central Coast experienced. Those same conditions, though, allowed for slow, gentle ripening; resulting in fully developed varietal character in every grape. The grapes for this bottling were harvested on September 21st and October 10th.
The Process
The Morgan Winery Sauvignon Blanc is a proprietary blend of classic Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Musqué and Semillon. The classic Sauvignon Blanc clone offers typical sweet grass flavors while Sauvignon Musqué is a cultivar that we prize for its aromatic intensity and citrus, tropical fruit flavors. Semillon, another noble grape originally from Bordeaux, adds richness and depth. The use of grapes from two different growing areas – the cooler Arroyo Seco AVA and the warmer San Lucas AVA – result in balanced flavor and intensity.
The must was tank fermented to preserve bright fruit flavors. Following fermentation the wine was transferred to Taransaud Bordeaux barrels, of which 7% were new, for six months of aging. The final blend was composed over several tastings of the individual lots; bottling was in April 2012.
The Experience
The 2011 Sauvignon Blanc features aromas of orange blossom, apricot and mint. Flavors of plum, lime and pear are lively and refreshing. Oak aging lightly accents the bright acidity and adds an elegant texture.
The Facts
Varietal Composition: 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 10% Semillion
Appellation: Monterey, California
Barrel Aging: 6 months in 100% French oak
Alcohol: 13.5%
pH: 3.30
Acidity: 7.0 g/L
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: | 13.8% |
| Barrel Type: | Stainless Steel |
| Body: | Light |
| Color: | Golden Yellow |
| Food Pairing: | Shellfish, Seafood |
| On the Nose: | Orange Blossom, Mint, Apricot |
| On the Palate: | Plum, Pear, Lime |
| Serving Recommendation: | Pop the Cork & Enjoy! |
| Texture: | Crisp |
| Varietal: | Sauvignon Blanc |
