Minimalism in Monterey – energetic cool climate wines from Morgan
A veteran of Monterey County, Dan Lee is approaching 40 years of grape growing and winemaking in California’s Central Coast region. He opened Morgan Winery with his wife Donna in 1982, and from the beginning has taken an artisanal, vineyard-centric approach to making wine.
Sustainability and innovation are the bedrock of Dan’s approach in the vineyard. He is known for experimenting with a wide number of varieties in this cool climate region and his Double L vineyards are organically certified. In the cellar, he is best described as a ‘minimalist’ and aims to craft wines of balance and elegance, which are true to their varietals and the vineyards where they grow.
Monterey County is found in the northern part of the Central Coast region and strongly influenced by cooling Pacific breezes.
Santa Lucia Highlands
Some of the area’s prime vineyard land is in the Santa Lucia Highlands, which overlook the Salinas River Valley. The vines’ elevated location takes full advantage of the morning sunshine, before cooling sea breezes from nearby Monterey Bay funnel south, cooling the vineyards and slowing ripening. The resulting wines are elegant and refreshing with ripe, stylish fruit.
The Santa Lucia Highlands are just a 45 minute drive to Carmel by the Sea, where Clint Eastwood’s Mission Ranch and Hotel is located, and where you can enjoy a range of Morgan wines!
- Highland Chardonnay 2013
This elegant Chardonnay has aromas of ripe orchard fruits with a suggestion of cinnamon sticks and candied ginger. The palate has hints of brioche and toasty oak combined with refreshing acidity. With 90 points from Vinous and 89 from the Wine Advocate, this wine represents seriously good value with an RRP of just £25.99-£26.49.
Rhone Varietals
Further south in the Arroyo Seco and San Lucas AVAs, the fog burns off early allowing ample sunshine into the vineyards. These warmer daytime temperatures allow classic Rhone varieties to ripen, while cooler night time temperatures foster acidity and balance.
- Cote du Crow’s 2014
Morgan’s Cote du Crow’s is a blend of Grenache and Syrah in a classic northern Rhone style with vibrant fruit and balanced acidity. The wine is medium-bodied with soft tannins, offering a mouthful of sweet pomegranate, black cherry and cinnamon sticks. Its weight and balance make it a perfect pairing with anything off the grill. This wine currently has 10% off as part of our winter promotions, giving an RRP of just £17.49.