2020 Morlet Pinot Noir "En Famille", Fort Ross-Seaview, California, USA

ABOUT THIS WINE

Located on the Sonoma Coast, on the Eastern slope of the second ridge from the Pacific Ocean, this unique hillside vineyard benefits from both the cool maritime breeze and the mild and sunny mountain climate. Handcrafted by using classical Burgundian techniques, it is the ‘Noble Hillsides’ or ‘Côteaux Nobles.’ Hand sorted and fermented in tank and 600 l puncheons, then aged for 14 months in French oak.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Beginning with the 2006 vintage, Luc & Jodie Morlet have been handcrafting vineyard designated wines and unique cuvées of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc from the Napa Valley as well as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, a Proprietary white Bordeaux-style blend and a Late Harvest Sémillon from Sonoma County. Meticulously farmed vineyards and low-intervention winemaking techniques produce powerful yet refined wines.

By taking old world principles and adapting them to California, the Morlet style results in wines which are harmonious in their intensity, richness, complexity and refinement. It is this notion of harmony that inspired their logo, based upon 19th century French artist Mathurin Moreau’s sculpture entitled, ‘L’Harmonie.’ The Morlet wines clearly display personality, seamless character and graceful ageing capability.

In August 2010, Luc and Jodie purchased a charming estate, just north of the town of St. Helena. Since then, they have been busy converting the historic stone building, built in 1880, into their family’s winery. This building was originally the Castner Winery, until its closure during Prohibition. Located in the beautiful St. Helena Appellation, the estate is planted with Cabernet Sauvignon and is the exclusive fruit source for their ‘Morlet Estate’ label. The Morlet’s ‘Mon Chevalier’ vineyard is located on the hillsides of Knights Valley, overlooking the western slopes of Mount St. Helena. The vineyard benefits from its proximity to this majestic mountain, whose warm and windy climate is ideal for the long ripening of the red Bordeaux varietals Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot.

Luc and Jodie most recently planted their twenty-acre ‘Cœur de Vallée’ vineyard. These Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc vines are located on the world renowned Oakville Bench. In addition to these family acres, they direct the farming under long-term contracts in Fort Ross-Seaview, Russian River Valley, Bennett Valley, Dry Creek and Napa Valley.

All of the Morlet’s wines are handcrafted using classical winemaking techniques from Burgundy and Bordeaux and matured in only the finest 100% French oak barrels.