Morgan
Morgan Winery was one of the first to establish themselves under the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA which was granted status in the early 1990’s. It was 1996 when Dan and Donna Lee invested in 65 acres of property near the Monterey Bay to plant their vineyards. However when the Morgan vineyards were first planted the soil was not in its optimal condition. They decided to enhance the land with organic nutrients and in 2001 they became the first Certified Organic vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands. While some Syrah, Riesling and Pinot Gris is planted, the bulk of Morgan wines are produced from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. Morgan’s Double L vineyard is their pride and joy and the origin of their flagship Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. These wines are consistently at the top of our Morgan wine ratings. The proximity to the Monterey Bay provides a cool, nighttime fog protecting the vineyard plantings while the warmer days can elicit wonderful fruit and acidity from the grapes leading to well balanced and elegant wines. Take a look below for our full compilation of Morgan wine reviews.
Morgan 2004 Chardonnay (Monterey)
- $20
Morgan’s basic Chardonnay, rushed to market, shows the same vibrant acids and whistle clean mouthfeel of his more expensive bottlings. The flavors are of passion fruit, pineapple juice and lime zest, with a steely, stony minerality that finishes ultradry.
— S.H.
(12/31/2005)
Morgan 2004 Sauvignon Blanc (Monterey)
- $15
The same acidity that permeates all of Morgan’s white wines is present here, along with citrus, kiwi, tobacco leaf and white pepper flavors. The wine is searingly dry, but there’s a rich creaminess that softens and elevates it.
— S.H.
(12/31/2005)
Morgan 2003 Syrah (Monterey)
- $22
I had this wine after tasting good Cornas and St. Joseph, and it has nothing to be ashamed of. Like them, it announces with impressive peppercorn and blackberry aromas, and while it’s a bit short in depth and finish, it offers a rich spectrum of dark fruit wrapped in rich, fine tannins.
— S.H.
(11/15/2006)
Morgan 2003 Tierra Mar Syrah (Monterey County)
- $40
Morgan’s Tierra Mar bottling has grown interesting over the years, and the ’03 continues to spark notice. It’s a big wine, with forward cassis, kirsch and chocolate flavors that are deep and long, with rich but velvety tannins. However, it’s a bit soft, so drink now.
— S.H.
(12/15/2006)
Morgan 2006 Syrah (Monterey)
- $24
Provides a good taste of Morgan’s more expensive Syrah at a fraction of the price, with complex flavors of blackberries, grilled meat and pepper. The tannins are firm; acidity is mouthwatering. Drink now.
— S.H.
(11/1/2008)
Morgan 2007 Highland Chardonnay (Santa Lucia Highlands)
- Online Exclusive
- $26
Dry and crisp in acidity, with butterscotchy new oak notes that frame flavors of apricots, lychee, pineapple, pear and papaya. Drink this delicious Chardonnay now.
— S.H.
(8/1/2009)
Morgan 2008 R&D Franscioni Vineyard Pinot Gris (Santa Lucia Highlands)
- Online Exclusive
- $17
Fruit and acidity star in this bone-dry, versatile white wine. It has intense flavors of Meyer lemons and limes, with a mouthwatering tartness. Nice with sushi, or grilled veggies and goat cheese on toasted sourdough bread.
— S.H.
(11/1/2009)
Morgan 2007 Syrah (Monterey)
- $20
A solid Syrah from superstar winemaker Morgan. With flavors of blackberries, Provençal herbs, currants and pepper, its bone dry and balanced. The tannins are a bit rustic, and call for a nice grilled steak.
— S.H.
(12/31/2009)
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