Luc Morlet, a fifth-generation winemaker from Champagne, found love in California, where he relocated in 1996. In 2010, Luc and his wife Jodie revived a historic winery in Napa Valley, marking the birth of their signature Morlet Estate wines. With cuvées like Ma Douce and Coup de Coeur, their wines are a heartfelt tribute to both their love and passion for winemaking. Their reputation grew rapidly, with accolades from R. Parker, who praised the couple’s skillful fusion of California’s aromatic richness with French winemaking expertise.
Morlet Family Vineyards cultivates grapes from some of California’s finest AVAs, offering a wide-ranging portfolio that includes everything from Pinot Noir to late-harvest Semillon, Syrah, and Cabernet.
Driven by innovation, Luc Morlet continually pushes boundaries. Among his inventions is “Le Trieur”, a sorting machine, and the “Gyrobox”, introduced in 2009. Inspired by gyropalettes, this automated tool facilitates the handling of barrels of varying sizes, streamlining numerous winemaking processes.
Located in Oakville, Napa Valley, Morlet’s Cœur de Vallée 2021 (95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, rated 97/100) epitomizes balance. Its rich fruit concentration is both bold and refreshingly vibrant, with tannins that are assertive yet refined. The wine’s exceptional length finishes with a lively, savory freshness, indicating remarkable aging potential and exhibiting an elegance that shines throughout. Truly a vineyard to watch, as Morlet Family Vineyards continues to inspire with its vision and dedication.
Text and photos : Xavier Lacombe
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