Morlet Family Vineyards Les Petits Morlet Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville 2018

One might assume that an established and acclaimed winery such as Morlet Family Vineyards is focused solely on upholding and maintaining its brand traditions. However, Luc and Jodie Morlet, proprietors of Morlet, stand out amongst their peers of admired and experienced Napa Valley vintners in that their sights are set on the next generation. Throughout the winery’s almost two decades in business, they have seamlessly woven classical winemaking techniques with an innovative approach.

As a fifth-generation winemaker, Luc honors and appreciates what his father and grandfather taught him while finding ways to move the needle towards improved quality and adapt the French style to California terroirs. Growing up in Epernay, France, Luc witnessed first-hand the meticulous care necessary in the vines and cellar when crafting superior wines as he worked on his family’s vineyards. After studying viticulture, enology, and wine business as a young man, Luc worked in Burgundy and Bordeaux before following his heart to Napa Valley, where his future wife, Jodie, lived. From 1995 to 2000, he crafted wines with world-renowned Michel Rolland at Newton Vineyards, and in 2001, Luc joined the Peter Michael team as winemaker, where he consults to this day. With the pursuit of perfection in mind, Luc designed and developed a first-of-its-kind sorting device in collaboration with a manufacturing company in 2003 called “Le Trieur.” Innovations like these exhibit the Morlet family’s desire to achieve the highest quality using new and innovative means.

Since 2006, Luc and Jodie have crafted exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Bordeaux blends from their estate vineyards in Oakville, Knights Valley, and St. Helena. 2018 marks the first vintage of “Les Petits Morlet” in which the barrel-select cuvée is crafted solely from the family’s Oakville vineyard, Cœur de Vallée. Les Petits Morlet is derived from the younger vines in Cœur de Vallée and is named for the Morlet children, Paul and Claire. After native yeast fermentation and daily punch downs, the wine aged for 16 months in French oak barrels. Bottled unfined and unfiltered, Luc highlights “a beautiful bouquet of violets, blackcurrant liqueur, chocolate, and new leather” with intricately layered flavors of “dark cherry, raspberry, mocha and licorice” on the palate. The wine exudes youthful energy and is a nod to the optimism for the future held by Luc and Jodie.