Morgan Winery Metallico Un-Oaked Chardonnay 2021

Viticulture

Metallico is sourced from some of Monterey’s best vineyards. The 2020 was produced with grapes from the Leavens, Double L and Mcintyre vineyards. These vineyards are influenced by their proximity to the cooling influences of Monterey Bay. This provides the perfect conditions for fruit-forward, racy, elegant Chardonnay.

Vinification

Upon arriving at the winery, the grapes were whole-cluster pressed. After pressing, the juice was cold tank fermented, retaining the essential bright fruit and mineral characteristics. The wine was not allowed to go through a secondary, malo-lactic fermentation and saw no new oak aging, thus preserving the natural acidity and fruit flavors. Aged 6 months in stainless steel.

Tasting notes

Metallico’s aromatics are intense with white peach, citrus blossom, and pineapple. The palate has ripe fruit flavors of green apple and lemon meringue. This wine encompasses a light-medium body with bright acidity and a long finish.

Producer 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.