2017 Morgan Twelve Clones Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands 750 ml

On our annual Presidents’ Day weekend golf trip to Pebble Beach, the only thing more thrilling than playing that iconic course is tasting through the equally iconic wine list at Monterey’s legendary Sardine Factory. Developed by famed Master Sommelier Fred Dame, The Sardine Factory’s cellar defined what became one of the most influential wine lists on the west coast and helped launch wineries that are now region-defining household names, like Joseph Swan, Bonny Doon, and Ridge.

That famous restaurant is where we discovered the 2017 Morgan Twelve Clones Pinot Noir—a local by-the-glass pour that was meant to sate us as we perused the big book. Instead, this pure and juicy Pinot wound up stealing the show altogether. 

Lively and inviting right out of the gate, with fresh red rose aromas on top of bountiful red fruit. Enticing allspice and vanilla notes hint at the impressive 40% new French oak aging regimen Morgan gives the Twelve Clones release. Lithe on entry, with pronounced Bing cherry and bright red raspberry, the refreshing acidity keeps the palate lifted and clean right on through to the ethereal tannins and minerally finish. 

Two bottles later, we were determined to get an allocation—we drove straight to Morgan Winery after the next morning’s round. There, we locked in the 2017 Twelve Clones for Wine Access members: $29 per bottle. And with 93 points from Wine Enthusiast to sweeten the deal, this was the one off-course “gimme” we could all agree on. 

Vinous described Morgan’s 2017s as "fresh, fruit-driven wines that are pretty hard to resist straight out of the gate,” before adding, “The Twelve Clones Pinot Noir, in particular, is a[n] excellent wine that can be had for quite a fair price given its quality.” Its high-toned character and focused structure are thanks in large part to the winery’s organic estate Double L Vineyard, where much of the 2017 Twelve Clones grapes come from. Situated high above the Salinas Valley in the cooler northern end of the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, this vineyard is among the most respected in all the Central Coast. Its cloudy mornings, mid-day sunshine, strong winds off Monterey Bay, and evening fog allow for gentle ripening, creating intense flavors with balanced acidity. 

Established in 1982 by Dan Lee (Dan's middle name is Morgan), Morgan has been producing some of Santa Lucia Highland’s most solid wines since his very first vintage, when Wine & Spirits magazine gave his wines such rave reviews that even the White House couldn’t get an allocation: President Reagan was so impressed with the buzz that he requested ten cases for a state dinner. Dan was unprepared for the sudden demand—he only had five cases of wine left to sell—so he had to decline the president’s request. 

Over three decades later, it’s only fitting that we scored such a killer allocation of this 93-point Morgan Pinot over Presidents' Day weekend. Thankfully there was enough to go around this time—but at the best price anywhere, you won’t need to wait for a state dinner to enjoy it.