2019 Double L Riesling
Native to Germany, the noble Riesling grape is the basis of some of the world’s most prized and longest-lived white wines.
The Double L Vineyard is at the northern end of the Santa Lucia Highlands. Here the ultra-cool climate and porous, mountainside soils provide ideal conditions for growing world-class Riesling.
Our Riesling grapes were foot stomped and left on the skins for 14 hours, then whole-cluster pressed. Freshness and bright fruit character were preserved by cold fermentation in stainless steel tanks. Fermentation was arrested by quickly chilling down the tanks to achieve an off-dry style and low alcohol.
In the glass, the 2019 Morgan Riesling displays a graceful, appealing nose of honeysuckle, white flowers, and meyer lemon. Traditional Riesling flavors of green apple and honeydew work beautifully with the wine’s opulent aromatics. The wine’s style starts with subtle sweetness then finishes bright and dry (much like a traditional German “Kabinett”). This wine is a natural pairing for spicy Asian cuisine, shellfish, ripe cheeses, and crème brûlée.
For tech sheet click here.
92 Points
"One of Monterey County’s best kept secrets is its Riesling. From the wines made at Mirassou back in the 1980s by Tom Stutz up to offerings like this one, I’m always impressed – and surprised that I don’t see more of it. I know, you’re thinking “Here it comes, another writer extolling the virtues of Riesling. Who cares?” I’m writing to say that you should care. I’ve reviewed this bottling in past vintages, and it is always a solid value. It’s done in the Kabinett style, with bright stone and citrus fruit up front and a crisp, stony finish that gets my juices flowing. I imagine those in the know snap up the relatively small production." - Rich Cook, September 2020
90 Points
"I loved the 2019 Riesling Double L Vineyard, which offers classic lychee, lime, and green apple notes in a balanced, vibrant, incredibly juicy style. It should evolve for 5-7 years or so." - Jeb Dunnuck, January 2021
90 Points
"Pale straw-yellow. Ripe citrus and orchard fruits on the nose, along with hints of jasmine and honey. Shows seamless texture and spicy lift to the sappy orange, quince and bitter quinine flavors, which deepen through the back half. Finishes long and gently spicy, with a repeating floral note and a hint of succulent herbs."
- Josh Raynolds, October 2020