Morgan Cotes du Crow’s is a blend of 50% Syrah and 50% Grenache from central and southern Monterey County. Here, the fog burns off early allowing ample sunshine to warm temperatures to the mid to upper 80’s during the summer and fall. The rising warm air draws the cool winds from Monterey Bay in the late afternoon. By night time, temperatures cool to the low 50’s.

The growing season started slow in 2009; cool, wet weather in late spring delayed the fruit by 5 - 10 days. August was more temperate, with less fog than normal. Warm weather allowed sugars to catch up, not necessarily flavor. Patience was key. October’s “Fall Effect” brought cool nights and shorter days with moderate heat, resulting in well developed flavors and balancing acidity. We finished harvest for the ‘09 Cotes du Crow’s on October 27th.

The wine was fermented in open top tanks and received manual punch-downs. This enabled good extraction and structure development with pleasant tannins. After fermentation, the wine was transferred to French oak barrels. Using 18% new oak gives the wine subtle spice and vanilla characters without over powering the elegant fruit profile.

This Rhone-style blend has a rich ruby red color, highlighted with purple edges. Strawberry jam, black tea and clove aromas jump out of the glass. The wine is medium-bodied with soft tannins; it offers a mouthful of cranberry, dried herbs and spice. Its weight and balance make it a perfect pairing with anything off the grill.