You may have read previously of my preference for partial malolactic fermentation in Chardonnay, and while that’s a general way that I bend, if the fruit is picked at the right time “full malo” can work just fine, serving to tame the acid without going into the butter/greasy zone. Such is the case here, with rich lemon creme and tropical notes riding a creamy texture that finishes crisp with a mix of moderate oak toast and lemon zest. Morgan keeps turning out the hits.
Morgan, Santa Lucia Highlands (Monterey County, California) Chardonnay 2020
By Rich Cook