One of the things I really appreciate about Morgan is their resolve to let vintage variation play a major role in their vineyard-designated wines. The 2019 Double L Syrah embraces the year’s late start, warm summer and wider than usual diurnal temperature swings to deliver a deeply colored but lighter bodied style that certainly isn’t light on flavor. I think this choice of a lower brix at harvest lets Syrah’s best characteristics shine, and this delivers what I’m after — black and blue fruit, white pepper and a savory meaty note are bold on the nose and in the mouth, and the lively coastal climate driven acidity keeps things light, bright and food friendly. I thoroughly enjoyed this with a grilled beef sirloin, full dress baked potato and mixed pepper salad with onions, olives and Parmesan cheese.
Morgan, Santa Lucia Highlands (Monterey County, California) Syrah 2019
By Rich Cook