2010 Morgan Pinot Noir Twelve Clones Santa Lucia Highlands (Red Wines / Pinot Noir)

2010 Morgan Pinot Noir Double L Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands

92pts(WS) Well-crafted, tight and structured, with firm, gripping tannins keeping the zesty, tart wild berry, blackberry and date-nut bread flavors in check. Drink now through 2020. Wine Spectator June, 2012

90pts(CGW)Although oak may at first leap to the fore in its nose, this very solid working smacks of brooding young fruit as well. Its flavors are a little more open and accessible, and they convey plenty of juicy, well-ripened black cherries and a nicely fit complement of creamy oak lends a bit of extra richness. It is long and sustained at the finish and shows just enough grip to make us believe that its best may be a few years away, but, make no mistake, this is a thoroughly tasty Pinot right now. Connoisseur's Guide to California Wine June 2012

The “Twelve Clones” Pinot Noir is drawn from the finest vineyards of the Santa Lucia Highlands appellation, including Morgan’s own organically farmed “Double L” estate - which, in the 2010 vintage, accounted for 56% of the final blend. The “Twelve Clones” designation denotes the original diverse Pinot plantings at the Double L, which is now comprised of fourteen clones. 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 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.