Morgan Winery Highland Chardonnay 2023

Viticulture

The 2023 season began with a classically cold and legendarily wet winter and spring (40% above average rainfall in Monterey County) which delayed bud break, bloom, and fruit set. Healthy crop loads and canopies developed through the summer, necessitating extra hedging to manage shade amid relatively high mildew pressure. Harvest began on September 21st, and concluded on November 8th after nearly two months of beautiful weather. The resulting wines are fresh and aromatic, with bright acidity, and elegant texture.

Vineyards: Double L, McIntyre, Tondré, Roger Rose
Clones: 4, 15, 17, Hillside, RR, 76, 95, 96, 548

Vinification

The grapes were hand picked and sorted in the vineyard. Whole cluster pressing preserved the fruit flavors with fresh acidity. Barrel fermentation occurred in 25% new French oak with native and cultured yeasts. Malolactic conversion ensured silky richness and a medium body.

Tasting notes

This focused, elegant Chardonnay features aromas of lemon, pearberry, and baking spices, complemented by flavors of pineapple, lemon curd, and a hint of butterscotch on the palate. Incredibly food-friendly, the Highland Chardonnay is a perfect match for white fish, poultry, and light pasta dishes.

Pairing

Incredibly food-friendly, the 2023 Highland Chardonnay is a perfect match for cream-sauced pastas, roast pork, and seafood.

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.