2007 Double L Chardonnay

The Double L Vineyard

is well situated to produce Chardonnay of the highest caliber. Located near the northern tip of the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, the vineyard receives brisk afternoon breezes from the Monterey Bay. North-south vineyard row orientation allows for optimum exposure on The Highlands’ east facing terraces. Wind and sun combine for a long 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.

Although ‘07 was typically cool and windy, this vintage shows a lot of intensity due to high stress on the vines from the dry winter preceding a cold, wet spring. Summer and fall were uneventful, resulting in normal hang-time and gentle ripening.

The grapes are picked when the flavor and acid balance is optimal. Hand sorted grapes are gently pressed in whole cluster to preserve the fruit flavors and natural acidity. The must is fermented in the finest French oak barrels: 30% new and a combination of one & two year old and neutral barrels. Malo-lactic fermentation is stopped before completion to obtain the Morgan balance: creaminess with bright tropical fruit acidity preserved.

Tropical fruit and orange blossom aromas are given character by the sweet spice of lightly toasted oak. One of the finest food wines, citrus and apricot are deftly accompanied by a smooth creaminess which will be well served with flavorful seafood and poultry dishes as well as a buttery steak...