Morgan Winery Double L Vineyard Chardonnay 2016

Viticulture

The Double L Vineyard is well situated to produce Chardonnay of the high- est caliber. Located near the northern tip of the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, the vineyard receives brisk afternoon breezes from nearby Monterey Bay. North-south vineyard row orientation allows for optimum sun expo- sure on the Highlands’ east - facing terraces. Wind and sun combine for a long, cool growing season, resulting in vibrant fruit flavors with balanced acidity. The vineyard was certified organic in 2002, although it has been conscientiously farmed in this method since the original plantings in 1997.
The spring and summer were mild with no extreme cold or hot periods, but mildew control was a challenge. Happily, no rain in the fall resulted in clean fruit, and harvest started on September 16th, 2016.

Vinification

The grapes were picked when the flavor and acid balance were optimal. Hand sorted grapes were gently pressed as whole clusters to yield the highest quality juice. The juice was fermented in French oak - 15% new and a com- bination of one & two year old barrels. 90% malo-lactic fermentation and lees stirring was conducted to obtain the trademark “Morgan Balance”: creaminess with bright, lush fruit complemented by structuring acidity and a creamy finish.

Tasting notes

Honey, graham cracker, and squash aromas are echoed on the palate, framed by fresh acidity and a hint of salinity - a nod to Double L’s proximity to Monterey Bay. One of the finest food wines, the Double L Chardonnay will pair wonderfully with seafood and poultry dishes, as well as a buttery steak.

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.