2014 Morgan Double L Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.50, TA 0.60, 1,335 cases, $64. Clones are 777, 667, 115, 114 and Pommard 4. This vineyard was first planted in 1997 to 14 clones of Pinot Noir. The very best lots are selected and combined through many bench trials and tastings and until the best wine of each particular vintage is determined. The vineyard is certified both organic and sustainable. The winegrower and winemaker is Dan Morgan. 100% de-stemmed, whole berry fermentation with native yeasts in small, open-top tanks. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 50% new and 50% one and twoyear- old. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry and black raspberry with a compliment of smoky, toasty oak. Boisterous flavors of black cherry, black raspberry, cola and toast are rounded out with balanced tannins and acidity. Silky in texture with soft tannins that make the wine very approachable now. That said, the wine had more fruit expression and better oak integration when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle indicating that decanting would be in order. Score: 92. Reviewed May 7, 2017

Winery: Morgan Winery
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted California Wines