Still
Sam Smith
Santa Lucia Highlands
Pinot Noir
Grapes are estate grown on 28 acres of Morgan Winery's Double L vineyard. The VSP trellised vines are 21 years old on average and maintaned throug sustainable, organic practices. The vineyard sits on a slope ranging from 150-550m in elevation with a Southeast facing exposition. At harvest, grapes are picked by hand, with an average yield of 3 tons/acre.
Certified Organic
The soil is comprised of sandy & shaly loam.
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
At the winery, the grapes are destemmed and gently pressed to start the fermentation. A mix of 50% selected yeast and 50% ambient yeast is used during fermentation, which lasts 8 days. Throughout this time the wine is maintained in small, open-top tanks with regular punch downs that are performed by hand. Total Sulfite count is 22 mg/L. There is minimal filtration and no fining prior to aging.
The wine is aged for 10 months in 60 gallon French oak barrels, and an additional 4-10 months in bottle prior to release.
New Jersey and New York
Aromas of cherry, black tea, and a hint of toasty oak. The wine is rich but still smooth; the aromas on the palate are supported by flavors of bramble berry and cigar box.