A 12-clone blend of various Pinot Noir clones. Elegant yet with the suppleness and strength unique to Santa Lucia.
The 2021 vintage is made up of 61% certified organic Double L grapes. The 12 clones designation refers to Double L's original and diverse plantings of Pinot Noir clones. The Santa Lucia Highlands is characterized by a cool climate with overcast mornings, strong winds and sunshine during the day, and cool evening fog. The long growing season promotes gentle ripening, resulting in powerful flavors with balanced acidity.
After being hand-selected, 100% of the grapes are de-stemmed. Whole-cluster fermentation begins in small open-top tanks using natural and cultured yeast. After fermentation, the grapes are transferred to French oak barrels (32% new) and aged for 9 months.
Rich fruit flavors of raspberry and blackberry, laurel, bergamot tea, violet flowers, subtle mint, and other aromas are complemented by a subtle sweet and fragrant spice flavor. Medium body supported by elegant tannins.
Great with roast chicken, grilled salmon, duck, beef and lamb dishes.
Dan Morgan Lee had been paying attention to the Santa Lucia Highlands and purchasing high-quality grapes from there even before the area was approved as an AVA. The Santa Lucia Highlands, where the fruit grows for a long period due to the cool winds from Monterey Bay, is the leading grape-producing region in Monterey, which was approved as an AVA in 1991.
Lee, who originally studied veterinary medicine, encountered winemaking while attending UC Davis and decided to make wine. After training at several wineries, Lee founded Morgan Winery in 1982 and is now known as one of the most stable producers of premium wines in the Monterey region. In 1996, he purchased a 65-acre vineyard and named it Double L (Lucky) Vineyard, a nod to the good fortune of having twin daughters. When he first purchased the vineyard, the soil was not necessarily ideal, but he chose to improve the soil himself, and in 2001 Double L Vineyard was the first in Santa Lucia Highlands to be certified as organically grown. Lee, who is serious about the environment, manages his vineyards in an organic, water-saving, and energy-saving manner. As a result, he is also certified as "SIP-Sustainability in Practice" (sustainable environmental conservation wine production), and is the only winery in Santa Lucia Highlands to have both certifications.
Morgan produces high-quality wines using grapes from top growers such as Double L Vineyard, Garry's Vineyard, and Rosella's Vineyard. "My goal is to make wines that faithfully reflect the characteristics of the terroir and the characteristics of the grape varieties," says Lee.
*The Wine Institute and the Wine Growers Association jointly established the California Sustainable Wine Alliance, a system that certifies the efforts of wineries and grape growers.