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 2002 Tierra Mar Syrah (Monterey County)
- $35
Toasty and cedary on the nose, but the oak is more integrated on the palate, where ripe blackberries, plums and coffee take charge. Nicely balanced, with crisp acids balancing the fruity concentration and supple tannins.
— W.E.
(9/1/2005)
Morgan 2006 Metallico Chardonnay (Monterey)
- $22
Juicy acids and rich flavors of limes, green melons, kiwi and papayas star in this dry, unoaked Chard. The acidity gives the wine an exceptionally clean, vibrant mouthfeel.
— S.H.
(12/15/2007)
Morgan 2006 R&D Franscioni Vineyard Pinot Gris (Santa Lucia Highlands)
- $18
A example of a dry, crisp PG, this great white from Monterey pioneer Morgan bursts with juicy flavors of papayas, honeysuckle flowers, limes and pink grapefruits. High acidity makes the wine bright and zesty in the mouth.
— S.H.
(12/15/2007)
Morgan 2005 Syrah (Monterey)
- Online Exclusive
- $24
This is very good wine, showing total dryness, richness of tannins and herb-laden blackberry fruit. The tannins impress with their dry astringency, but the fruit is so rich and intense, the wine so balanced with acidity, that mid-term cellaring seems a good bet. Drink 2008–2011.
— S.H.
(12/15/2007)
Morgan 2009 Metallico Un-Oaked Chardonnay (Monterey)
- $20
This Chardonnay is so delicious in citrus, tropical fruit, peach and vanilla bean flavors, brightened with brisk acidity, that you hardly miss the absence of oak.
— S.H.
(3/1/2011)
Morgan 2010 R&D Franscioni Vineyard Pinot Gris (Santa Lucia Highlands)
- Editors' Choice
- $18
A rich, savory Pinot Gris that’s just a little sweet, and has a slight fizziness that makes it lively. Rich in citrus, tropical fruit, honeysuckle and vanilla flavors, brightened with brilliant acidity, it shows a buttery smokiness from neutral oak. Drink this refreshing wine now.
— S.H.
(10/1/2011)
Morgan 2011 Sauvignon Blanc (Monterey)
- Editors' Choice
- $16
This is a real New Zealand-style Sauvignon Blanc. It’s dry and tart, with rich gooseberry, lime, green apple, Asian pear, vanilla and white pepper flavors. A touch of oak brings a pleasant, buttery toastiness. The grapes come from the cool Arroyo Seco AVA and the warm San Lucas AVA, a brilliant blending decision that makes this wine especially balanced.
— S.H.
(3/1/2013)
Morgan 1999 Reserve Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands)
- $38
Start with South Central coast aromas of tomato, rhubarb, hard spices, tea and blackberries, with oaky complexities. These notes follow in the mouth, with blackberry and cherry flavors. The tannins pack a solid punch, but not so much that you can't drink it tonight.
— S.H.
(12/15/2001)
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