Style
White
Type

Still

Winemaker

Sam Smith

Appellation

Santa Lucia Highlands

Varieties

Chardonnay

Viticulture

Grapes are planted on 18 acres of the winery's organic Double L vineyard at 150-550 m above sea level. Average age of vines is 21 years. Grapes are harvested by hand in the fall, yielding 3 tons/acre on average.

Farming

Certified Organic

Terroir

Sandy & shaly loam

Vineyard

The 65 acre property of Morgan Winery is on a southeastern facing "bench" of the Santa Lucia mountain range, sloping from 150" to 550' elevation and the vines are 18 years old on average. Prior to purchase in 1996, the ranch was used for cattle grazing and row crop production (sugar beets, dry beans). At the time of purchase, the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA had very recently been established and was relatively unknown. The soils on the ranch were weak, depleted of nutrients; Dan's interest in responsible farming led to the Double L's organic certification in 2001. The vineyard now holds both sustainability and organic certifications

Vinification

Upon arrival at the winery, the grapes undergo direct press to release juice. Fermentation begins with a combination of 50% ambient yeast and 50% selected. Both primary and malolactic fermentation take place in barrels. The wine spends time on lees before a minimal filtration.

Aging

The wine is aged in 60 gallon French oak barrels for 10 months before release.

Available Sizes (L)

0.750

Distribution Area

New York