Morgan 12 Clones Pinot Noir

The Twelve Clones Pinot Noir is drawn from the finest vineyards of the Santa Lucia Highlands appellation, including Morgans own organically farmed Double L estate - which, in the 2015 vintage, accounted for 36% of the final blend. The Twelve Clones designation denotes the original, diverse Pinot plantings at the Double L. The vines here capture the warm morning sunshine from their elevated, east facing terraces overlooking the Salinas River Valley. Strong afternoon winds and evening fog from the nearby Monterey Bay create a cool Region I type climate. The resulting long growing season allows for gentle ripening, creating intense flavors with balanced acidity.

The grapes were picked and then hand-sorted in the vineyard. Upon arriving at the winery, grapes where sorted a second time before being destemmed. Whole berry fermentation was started using native yeasts in small, open top tanks. Two times each day the cap was gently punched down by hand. After fermentation, the wine was transferred into a combination of 30% new, one and two year-old French cooperage. The wine aged for almost a year before being bottled.

This special wine demonstrates the power and finesse of Pinot Noir from the Santa Lucia Highlands. It displays aromas of forest floor, sweet spice, raspberry, and bacon fat. Flavors of dark cherry are complemented by notes of toasted oak and candied strawberry. Perfectly poised fruit/acid balance make this wine incredibly food-versatile. It is a wonderful accompaniment to roast chicken and grilled salmon, as well as almost any duck, beef or lamb preparation.

VINTAGE2015
VARIETALPinot Noir
APPELLATIONSanta Lucia Highlands
ACID6.1
PH3.49
AGING9 months in 100% french oak; 30% new
ALCOHOL %14.1
A History of Acclaim
2015 vintage:

91 Points- Anthony Dias Blue
91 Points- Connoisseurs Guide
91 Points- Vinous
90 Points- Jeb Dunnuck
90 Points- California Grapevine
90 Points- Wine Enthusiast
90 Points- PinotFile
2014 vintage: 91 Points - Wine Enthusiast
2013 vintage: 90 Points - PinotFile, California Grapevine, and Vinous
2012 vintage: 91 Points - Wine Enthusiast
2011 vintage: 92 Points - Pinot Report
2010 vintage: 92 Points - Top 100 - Wine Spectator
2009 vintage: 90 Points - Wine Spectator
2008 vintage: Top 25 Most Popular Pinot Noirs - Wine & Spirits Restaurant

Region Description

Santa Lucia Highlands are an appellation located in the Salinas Valley in Monterey California. In the northeast the climate is cooler, and chardonnay is the key grape. Where as in the southwest the weather is warmer and Pinot noir Dominates.