Morgan Winery Twelve Clones Pinot Noir 2019

Viticulture

Vinification

The grapes were hand sorted in the vineyard and again at the winery before being completely destemmed. Whole berry fermentation started using native and cultured yeasts in small, open top tanks. After fermentation, the wine was transferred to 33% new French oak for nine months of aging.

Tasting notes

The 2019 Twelve Clones demonstrates the finesse typical of pinot noir from the Santa Lucia Highlands. It displays aromas of black cherry, cedar, and sweet baking spices. Flavors of red and black fruit are complemented with a hint of sassafrass. Perfectly poised, this medium bodied wine is light on its feet with weightless tannins and crisp acidity.

Pairing

A wonderful accompaniment to roasted chicken and grilled salmon, as well as almost any duck, beef, or lamb preparation.

San Fransisco Chronicle Wine Competition: Double Gold

Winery Description

Visionary Winemaker of Santa Lucia Highlands

With more than thirty years’ experience, Dan Lee and the Morgan label have been synonymous with artisan, vineyard-centric wines from the Santa Lucia Highlands and Monterey.

Coming from a small town in California’s Central Valley, Dan Morgan Lee had prepared initially for the study of veterinary medicine at the University of California, Davis.  It was late in his college career that he discovered enology satisfied his interest in both science and agriculture. Immediately enrolling in the graduate enology program, Dan completed his studies and was hired as winemaker at Jekel Winery in Monterey County.

After serving his apprenticeship at Jekel, Dan moved up the road to Durney Vineyard where he continued to make Monterey wines. While making wine full-time for Durney, Dan aspired to craft his own label.  It was at a meeting of the Monterey County Winegrowers Association that he shared his vision with a banker. In addition to becoming his business advisor, that banker would also become Dan's wife.

Dan & Donna Lee: Morgan Winery's Proprietors
In 1982, Dan and Donna Lee opened the doors of Morgan Winery. Their very first Monterey Chardonnay earned a Gold Medal at the LA County Fair and a Platinum Medal from Wine & Spirits Magazine. Since then, Morgan has become one of the Central Coast’s most recognized labels, earning “Winery of the Year” honors from Wine & Spirits in 1996 and from the San Francisco Chronicle in 2003.

Able to pick and choose fruit sources from around the state, Dan eventually turned more of his attention to the Santa Lucia Highlands and single vineyard releases.  Dan and Donna invested in their belief in the Highlands with the purchase of the Double L Vineyard in 1996. Today the Double L is one of the best-known vineyards in California. Dan’s leadership and expertise in the district led to his being named the first Board President of the newly formed Santa Lucia Highlands’ winegrowers association in 2005.

Dan and Donna Lee reside in Salinas. Twin daughters Annie and Jackie (the inspiration for the “Double Luck” vineyard moniker) are in college; son Josh is in high school.