A standout among North American wines, Morlet family vineyards uses old world principles and adapts them to California’s wine culture. The Morlet style results in wines that are harmonious in intensity, richness, complexity, and refinement. So much so, that world-renowned Robert Parker recognizes Luc Morlet for his excellence in winecrafting, giving multiple varietals and vintages 100 point ratings.
“Luc Morlet is not only a fabulous winemaking talent, he knows how to bring the French savoir faire of complexity, elegance, and precision to the ripe, concentrated, intense fruit of California.” Robert M. Parker, Jr. December 2014
I have had the great pleasure and honor of knowing and assisting the Morlet family with their winery and vineyard acquisitions since 2005, when they acquired their first vineyard in Knights Valley. Through the passage of time and patience, with a clear focus on only acquiring vineyards with exceptional terroir, the family later engaged my services to assist in the acquisition of a St. Helena Winery for sale and an exceptional Oakville vineyard real estate.
But, there is more to this multi-generational wine making family than just meets the eye. A style and technique embedded deep within their veins is truly realized in their final product.
The Morlet Family Vineyards
Luc Morlet grew up in Avenay-Val d’Or, where he spent his time working on his family’s estate. He studied viticulture and winemaking in vineyards and wineries in Burgundy, Bordeaux, and the south of Franch. When he met his wife, he decided to move to Jodie’s native California and use his knowledge to put his mark on California’s wine culture. The Morlet family vineyards and wines display personality, character, and grace that could only be acquired by someone with a robust knowledge of the business.
As the fifth-generation of a French winemaking family, Luc and Jodie have taken their California estate, an 1880 historic stone home, formerly the Castner Winery, which closed during Prohibition, and turned it into their family winery. Located in the St. Helena AVA, the estate is planted with Cabernet Sauvignon and is the exclusive source for the Morlet Estate label.
Their Mon Chevalier vineyard located in Knights Valley, overlooks Mount St. Helena and benefits from the warm and windy climate; a climate ideal for the long ripening of the red Bordeaux varietals Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. Their twenty-acre Cœur de Vallée vineyard, located in the world renowned Oakville Bench, has Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc vines. Each Morlet wine is handcrafted using classical winemaking techniques from Burgundy and Bordeaux, and matured in the finest 100% French oak barrels.
Classical Style Results in Esteemed Morlet Wines
The Morlets pursue excellence in everything they craft. This is obvious in the world-wide acclaim they receive. The Passionnement Cabernet Sauvignon, which is an exquisite blend from their Oakville, St. Helena and Knights Valley vineyards, was awarded the Best Wine of 2018 by Dr. Nenad Jelisic. It was the only wine awarded 100 points out of 400 wines he sampled at the Decanter Fine Wine Encounter that year. Dr. Jelisic went on to award the Morlet Family Vineyards 2012 Passionnement as the Best Wine of 2018 after tasting thousands of wines from around the world. (100 Point Wines List)
Their wines have been featured at multiple White House State Dinners, in Food & Wine Magazine, and have been recognized as 100 point wines from Robert Parker for their 2013 ‘Force De La Nature’, 2014 ‘La Proportion Doree’, 2015 ‘Coup De Cœur’ and 2016 ‘Passionnement’. Equally of note is their 99 point 2016 ‘Joli Cceur’. With phrases thrown around like Best of the Best and Best Wine, it’s no wonder many try to emulate the style and taste developed by the Morlet family.
Tour and Taste at Morlet Family Winery
As a self-proclaimed wine connoisseur, I love visiting Morlet Family Vineyards with friends and clients for what is always a memorable wine tasting experience. Be sure to book well in advance, the experience is worth the wait. If getting into the wine business is on your bucket list, be sure and reach out to me for guidance – I’d love to offer my expertise and point you in the right direction. With the relationships I have in the industry, I have the inside scoop as these properties are almost always only available under strict confidentiality on the quiet market.
