I’ve always liked this friendly, Monterey-grown Pinot Noir from this consistently good producer. But this year Morgan’s affordable Pinot is one of its best vintages. It was recently rated 92 points out of 100 by Wine Spectator; I recommended it on April 19. A blend of Pinots grown in Double L, Tondre Grapefield, Lucia Highlands, and Garys’ vineyards, this wine is impressively powerful while still maintaining elegance and less alcohol. Fragrant with aromas and flavors of blackberries and black cherries, it’s nicely nuanced by notes of leather and spice. It’s drinkable now, but it will reward those patient enough to cellar a bottle or six. A very good buy at Tastes of the Valleys Pismo at $23.99, it’s sold at $32 on Morgan’s website, and it won’t last much longer. Buy some fast or lose the opportunity.
This article appears in Jun 21-28, 2012.