This is the personal label of Luc Morlet and his wife Jodie. From 1996-2000 Luc made the wines at Newton, where he helped to craft their Unfiltered Chardonnay, a favorite among collectors. He then became the head winemaker for Peter Michael Winery and crafted their wines from the 2001-2005 vintages, where his wines earned up to 99 points!
This vineyard on the bench of Sonoma County's Russian River benefits from ideal conditions for the Old Wente field selection, renowned for its richness. The concentration originating from the petite size of the berries is enhanced by classical Burgundian wine-making techniques. This wine is dedicated to the Morlet's daughter, Claire Morlet: "Ma Princesse."
JEB DUNNUCK 98 POINTS - "The 2022 Chardonnay Ma Princesse comes from several south-facing sites in the Russian River Valley and was made entirely from old Wente clones of Chardonnay. In the glass, it opens to notes of flint that give way to more opulent ripe white peach fruit, lemon oils, and beeswax. Full-bodied and persistent, with more richness and concentration underneath in this vintage, it has a richer texture but a very long finish as well, with lasting notes of toasted incense. Drink 2025-2040. 300 cases were produced."
ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE 96 POINTS - "Like all of Morlet's Chardonnays, the 2022 Chardonnay Ma Princesse is barrel fermented using indigenous yeasts and malolactic bacteria, and this vintage saw approximately 40% new French oak. It's slightly cloudy in the glass, with scents of melon, lime and white peach, showing less oak influence at this stage than the 2021, perhaps because yields were down about 30%, with lovely fruit purity and balance. Medium to full-bodied and generous on the palate, this wine is tremendously long and silky on the finish."
This vineyard on the bench of Sonoma County's Russian River benefits from ideal conditions for the Old Wente field selection, renowned for its richness. The concentration originating from the petite size of the berries is enhanced by classical Burgundian wine-making techniques. This wine is dedicated to the Morlet's daughter, Claire Morlet: "Ma Princesse."
JEB DUNNUCK 98 POINTS - "The 2022 Chardonnay Ma Princesse comes from several south-facing sites in the Russian River Valley and was made entirely from old Wente clones of Chardonnay. In the glass, it opens to notes of flint that give way to more opulent ripe white peach fruit, lemon oils, and beeswax. Full-bodied and persistent, with more richness and concentration underneath in this vintage, it has a richer texture but a very long finish as well, with lasting notes of toasted incense. Drink 2025-2040. 300 cases were produced."
ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE 96 POINTS - "Like all of Morlet's Chardonnays, the 2022 Chardonnay Ma Princesse is barrel fermented using indigenous yeasts and malolactic bacteria, and this vintage saw approximately 40% new French oak. It's slightly cloudy in the glass, with scents of melon, lime and white peach, showing less oak influence at this stage than the 2021, perhaps because yields were down about 30%, with lovely fruit purity and balance. Medium to full-bodied and generous on the palate, this wine is tremendously long and silky on the finish."
