2007 Morlet Family Chardonnay Ma Princesse
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Tasting notes
While more structured and tannic, the 2007 Chardonnay Ma Princesse offers loads of honeysuckle, caramelized tropical fruits, brioche, and spice box in a big, full-bodied, intense style. This is a brilliant portfolio of wines from Frenchman Luc Morlet. Production for these cuvees ranges from a low of 75 cases for several of the Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs, to a high of 660 cases for the Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc/Muscadelle blend called La Proportion Doree. Only indigenous yeasts are used in the fermentations as well as 100% French oak barrels, there is no fining or filtration, and all the wines are made with a hand-crafted zeal for high quality. The 2007 and 2008 Chardonnays would make a tremendous comparative tasting to decide which vintage turned out better. In most cases, 2007 gets the nod, but at this estate, it’s pretty much a dead heat. I suspect the only way to secure any of the Morlet Family Vineyards’ wines is to get on their mailing list. Tel. (707) 967-8690; Fax (707) 967-8590
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Bright yellow with a golden tinge. Toasty aromas of orange peel, minerals and hazelnut; conveys an impression of stronger acidity than the Ma Douce. Then tighter and drier in the mouth, with a strong sensation of dry extract and a gripping finish that's just this side of phenolic. Intriguing suggestions of lemon, minerals and fresh herbs. I'd give this a year before pulling the cork. From an old Wente clone growing on volcanic Goldridge soil.