2019 Double L Syrah
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.
Syrah is the last varietal to be harvested each year on the Double L. The grapes are hand-picked and sorted for optimal flavor and acidity. After destemming 89% of the fruit and leaving the remaining as whole clusters, the must was fermented by native yeasts in small open-top tanks. Ten months of aging in 30% new French oak barrels added polish and elegance.
This wine shows inky purple hues in the glass, though the palate is light on its feet. Attractive aromas of blackberry, grilled meat, and graphite are supported by white pepper and black fruits. The flavors of dark fruit and savory spices go well with the bright acidity and elegant tannin structure – displaying classic cool-climate syrah character.
Wine Specs
93 Points - Editors’ Choice
"There’s a wondrous combination of fresh and savory in this single-vineyard expression. Vibrant aromas of black raspberry are cut by dark meats on the nose, while the palate’s light yet sticky tension carries through the cherry sorbet and graphite flavors." - Matt Kettmann, Aug/Sep 2022
93 Points
"One of the things I really appreciate about Morgan is their intent to let vintage variation play a major role in their vineyard designate wines. The ’19 Double L Syrah embraces its late start, warm summer and wider than usual diurnal temperature swings to deliver a deeply colored but lighter bodied style that certainly isn’t light on flavor. I think this lower brix at harvest choice lets Syrah’s best characteristics shine, and this delivers what I’m after - black and blue fruit, white pepper and a savory meaty note are bold on the nose and in the mouth, and the lively coastal climate driven acidity keeps things light, bright and food friendly. I thoroughly enjoyed this with a grilled beef sirloin, full dress baked potato and mixed pepper salad with onions, olives and Parmesan cheese." - Rich Cook, April 2022
93 Points
"Opaque violet. Smoke-accented black and blue fruits on the highly perfumed nose, along with suggestions of black pepper, olive and candied flowers. Appealingly sweet and energetic in the mouth, offering juicy blueberry, cassis, cola and spicecake flavors that deepen through the back half. Finishes long and smooth, with rounded even tannins framing repeating blue fruit and spice notes. 30% new French oak." - Josh Raynolds, May 2022
92 Points
"Resting for 10 months in 30% new French oak barrels and showcasing a medium purple-ruby core with a bright silver rim, the nose pops with freshly ground black pepper, peppered charcuterie, blackberry, and olive tones. It’s more fruity and fresh on the palate than on the nose, with blue fruits and fine herbs dominating. Acidity checks in at high along with smooth tannins and a lengthy finish. Only 149 cases produced." - Jeremy Young, May 2022