2019 Double L Chardonnay
Conscientiously farmed since the original plantings in 1997, today Morgan’s Double L Estate Vineyard is the only certified organic vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands. Located at the northern end of the AVA, the vineyard’s north-south row orientation provides optimal wind and sun exposure.
The grapes were picked when the flavor and acid balance was optimal, then hand-sorted and gently pressed to yield the highest quality juice. The juice was fermented in French oak - 30% new and a combination of one & two year old barrels. Seventy-five percent malo-lactic fermentation and lees stirring were conducted to obtain medium body with balanced richness and acidity.
Notes of pineapple, lemon curd, and marshmallow are echoed on the palate by butter toffee and baked apple. One of the finest food wines, the Double L Chardonnay will pair wonderfully with seafood and poultry dishes, as well as a buttery steak.
Wine Specs
94 Points
"Toasted macadamia nut, baked peach, coconut and sea salt aromas make for a heady entry to the nose. The palate is cut by a tangerine-rind tartness that gives balance to the creamy apricot and cherimoya flavors as that salty character carries through the finish." - Matt Kettmann, April 2022
94 Points
"Another successful Double L Vineyard Chardonnay in which the oak load is beautifully tuned to the fruit. It adds richness without overshadowing the apple, pear and dry honey aromas and flavors, and it adds length to everything without asserting itself. Very classy stuff!" - Rich Cook, March 2022
92 Points
"Bright yellow-gold. Displays expressive aromas of Meyer lemon, pear, pineapple and pungent flowers and ginger and smoky mineral notes build in the glass. Juicy and smooth in texture, offering intense orchard and citrus fruit, honeysuckle, vanilla and spice flavors that firm up through the midpalate. Finishes long and silky, with the floral and citrus fruit notes echoing. 30% new French oak." - Josh Raynolds, May 2022
92 Points
"Fermented for 10 months in French oak, with 30% being new and the rest a combination of one and two year-old barrels, it also sees about 75% malolactic fermentation which helps keep the acidity high and gives the wine a lovely mouthfeel. Loads of yummy grilled citrus, fresh pineapple, fresh white peach and white flower aromas and flavors meld with the medium body and a clean, balanced style. It’s a lovely effort that will age well for the next year or two and keep for 8 years or so. Only 498 cases produced." - Jeremy Young, January 2022