2019 Morlet Family La Proportion Doree
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Tasting notes
Honeysuckle, citrus, wax, succulent pear, and a tingle of grippy minerality. Dry farmed for the oldest Sémillon from 1950s planted on loamy soils, with the youngest vines 30 years old. Native yeast, unfined and unfiltered. 100% barrel fermented in neutral (no new) oak casks that are up to 7 years old, with lees stirring conferring texture. Already superb but will deepen with another few years in bottle.
Critic scores
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2019 La Proportion Dorée is fabulous, as it has been now for the last few years. Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle add layers to a core of Sémillon. A rare white of pedigree and distinction, La Proportion Dorée is super-impressive in this tasting. I would give it a few years in the bottle to fully come together.
A blend of 69% Semillon, 30% Sauvignon Blanc, and 1% Muscadelle, the just about pure perfection 2019 La Proportion Doree reveals a vivid gold hue as well as a kaleidoscopic array of crushed citrus, honeyed lime, white flowers, green almonds, and crushed stone-like minerality. Beautifully complex, seamless, full-bodied, and concentrated on the palate, it has an incredible texture, bright acidity, and a brilliant finish. Hats off to winemaker Luc Morlet – no one does Bordeaux Blanc in California better.
Luc Morlet has 100 Muscadelle vines, planted in 1953, which he co-ferments with the Sauvignon Blanc to produce this stunning wine. This is all barrel fermented with native yeast. This barrel sample of 2019 La Proportion Doree is composed of 69% Semillon, 30% Sauvignon Blanc and 1% Muscadelle. It prances out of the glass with gregarious scents of white peaches, pear tart and preserved lemons plus nuances of lime leaves, crushed rocks and honeycomb. The medium to full-bodied palate is tightly wound at this nascent stage, revealing layers of stone fruit and citrusy flavors with mineral accents and a long, savory finish. 780 cases are due to be made.