2020 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 – 31% new and a combination of one & two year old barrels. Full malo-lactic and lees stirring were conducted to obtain a medium+ body, balanced by fresh acidity.
Notes of pineapple, toffee, and toasted brioche are echoed on the palate by dried pear and baking spices. 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
“Fine lines of toast and lemon curd make for a focused yet full nose on this bottling from organic grapes. There is tremendous tension to the grippy palate, where lemon and grapefruit-peel flavors cut through the whitefleshed fruit core.” - Matt Kettmann, November 2022
93 Points
“You may have read previously of my preference for partial malolactic fermentation in Chardonnay, and while that’s a general way that I bend, if the fruit is picked at the right time “full malo” can work just fine, serving to tame the acid without going into the butter/greasy zone. Such is the case here, with rich lemon creme and tropical notes riding a creamy texture that finishes crisp with a mix of moderate oak toast and lemon zest. Morgan keeps turning out the hits.” - Rich Cook, August 2022
93 Points
“A stunning Chardonnay from the Double L Vineyard that is aged for 9 months in 31% new French oak barrels. It’s a ripe, textured, and wonderfully balanced Chardonnay exploding with plenty of salted citrus, fresh pineapple, Honeydew melon, sweet cinnamon stick, and toasted almond characteristics and shows a classic, cultivated style of the 2020 vintage as well as typical fruit-forward characteristics that you find from the Santa Lucia Highlands. 398 cases produced.” - Jeremy Young, June 2022