2018 Double L Pinot Noir
The Double L Vineyard’s location in the northern end of the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA is widely regarded as one of the best spots for growing top flight pinot noir. Planted on east-facing terraces overlooking the Salinas River Valley, the north-south vineyard row orientation provides optimum sun exposure and access to the strong afternoon breezes. The winds moderate the afternoon temperature, thickening the grape skins and concentrating flavors. The Double L is the first and only vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands to achieve an organic certification.
The grapes were hand picked and sorted in the vineyard, then sorted a second time at the winery before destemming. Whole berry fermentation started with native and cultured yeasts. After fermentation, the wine was transferred into 40% new French oak for eleven months of aging.
Morgan’s 2018 Double L Pinot Noir is rich yet energetic. Aromas of red plum, dark cherry, cola spice, and white pepper are supported on the palate by flavors of fresh and dried red fruits, with a hint of savory herbs. This wine features a medium body, crisp acidity, and elegant tannins — an exquisite match for duck confit, lamb shank, or prime rib.
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Wine Specs
95 Points
"The nose attracts with effusive aromas of black cherry, blackberry, spice, and dark red rose petal. Unctuous purple and black berry flavors are delivered in a beautifully balanced format. Everything is in proper place and the long, haunting, purple berry driven finish is very special. Still stellar when tasted the following day from a previously opened bottle predicting a long life ahead." - Rusty Gaffney, September 2021
93 Points
"Fresh and subtle aromas of raspberry, roasted tomato and a hint of basil pop on the nose of this bottling. There’s a vibrant acidity and grippy structure to the sip, where herb-sprinkled plum and cracked pepper flavors align."
- Matt Kettmann, October 2021
92 Points
"Lush spiced nose, ripe ruby color, crisp, spicy, and lean, fresh, long and charming." - Anthony Dias Blue, August 2021
91 Points
"There's lithe creaminess to the fruity and refined flavors of cherry and dried strawberry that are backed by fresh acidity, with accents of slate and spice on the juicy finish. Drink now through 2024." - Kim Marcus, September 2021