Morgan Twelve Clones Pinot Noir is drawn from the finest vineyards of the Santa Lucia Highlands appellation, including Morgan’s own organically farmed “Double L” estate. In the 2008 vintage the Double L accounted for 42% of the final blend. Morgan “Twelve Clones” designation denotes the original diverse Pinot plantings at the Double L.

Vines here capture the warm morning sunshine from their elevated east facing terraces overlooking the Salinas River Valley. Strong afternoon winds and evening fog from nearby Monterey Bay create a cool Region I type climate. The resulting long growing season allows for gentle ripening, creating intense flavors with balanced acidity.

The vineyards of the Highlands’ produced a small crop of very high quality fruit in 2008. A dry winter was followed by alternating heat and chill spells. The stress from the abnormal weather yielded small intensely flavored berries. The autumn weather was typical, leading to a clean harvest, which concluded on October 23rd.

The grapes were picked then hand-sorted in the vineyard. Upon arriving at the winery, the grapes are sorted a second time before being destemmed. Whole berry fermentation is started using native yeasts in small open top tanks. Three times each day the cap is gently punched down by hand. After fermentation, the wine was transferred into a combination of 45% new and one and two year-old French cooperage. The wine aged for almost a year before being bottled.

This vintage of Morgan Twelve Clones Pinot Noir demonstrates the power and finesse of Pinot Noir from the Santa Lucia Highlands. It displays aromas of black cherries, cola, spicy earth tones and vanilla. Flavors of red cherries and berries are complemented by notes of black tea, chocolate espressp, smokey oak, and spice. Perfectly poised fruit / acid balance make this incredibly food-versatile. It is a wonderful accompaniment to roast chicken and grilled salmon, as well as almost any duck, beef, or lamb preparation...