2016 Double L Chardonnay 1.5L
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 nearby Monterey Bay. North-south vineyard row orientation allows for optimum sun exposure 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 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 combination 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.
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.
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93 Points
“Limpid yellow. Powerful, mineral-accented Meyer lemon, pear and vanilla scents show very good clarity and complicating suggestions of fennel and toasty lees. Minerally and focused in the mouth, offering pliant citrus and orchard fruit flavors; deeper suggestions of honey and buttered toast emerge on the back half. Shows impressive depth as well as energy and finishes smoky and very long, with a suave floral nuance hanging on.”
- Josh Raynolds, October 2018
93 Points
“Creamy texture and lovely lush flavors of ripe pear, tangy citrus and subtle notes of vanilla and toasty oak; a classic Santa Lucia Chard; layered and elegant, long and popping on all cylinders.” - Anthony Dias Blue, June 2018
92 Points
"Aged 10 months in 15% new French oak, the 2016 Chardonnay Double L is a step up in quality and is a more serious, layered Chardonnay. White peach, white flowers, honeysuckle, and a touch of brioche all emerge from this silky, elegant effort that has racy acidity, terrific balance, and a great finish. Drink it any time over the coming 5-7 years, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see it keep longer." - Jeb Dunnuck, February 2019
92 Points
Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Inviting aromas of lemon oil, salted yellow apple, lemongrass and fig. Discreet body and intensity, offering enticing flavors of citrus, apple and honey. No intrusion of oak in this wine. Suave but not viscous on the palate, with a bright, clean finish. - Rusty Gaffney, August 2018
91 Points
“Medium-light golden yellow; attractive, slightly toasty, baked apple and tropical fruit aroma with light spicy notes and hints of lemon curd and caramel; medium to medium-full body; assertive, crisp, silky, apple and tropical fruit flavors with good depth, bright acidity, and a plush mouthfeel; lingering aftertaste.” Very highly recommended. - California Grapevine, April 2018
90 Points
“Lemon cream, peach and mango show on the nose of this top-tier bottling from the historic regional producer. The flavors are light and bright, with lemon juice and apple flesh, though the wine feels a bit more reserved in this vintage.” - Matt Kettmann, June 2018