Sauvignon Blanc Arroyo Seco

Winemaker

Sam Smith

Appellation

Arroyo Seco

Varieties

Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon

Viticulture

The grapes are sourced from vineyards around Monterey County, from vines that are 15 years old on average. The grapes are hand harvested each season, with 4 tons/acre harvested on average.

Terroir

The soil is comprised of sandy & shaly loam.

Ratings & Reviews

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

The grapes start with a direct press, and are transeferred to a tank for fermentation on the lees which takes place over 20 days. A mix of 50% selected yeast and 50% ambient yeast is used for the fermentation process. Total Sulfite count is 26mg/L. There is minimal filtration and no fining prior to aging.

Aging

The wine is aged for 5 months in 60 gallon French oak barrels, followed by 4-10 months of aging in bottle before being released.

Features

Screw cap