2020 Morlet Family Vineyards La Proportion Dorée

2020 Morlet Family Vineyards La Proportion Dorée is a striking, age‑worthy white blend that marries Old World elegance with California richness. Crafted from the three classic white Bordeaux varieties—Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle—it takes its name from the “Golden Ratio”, a nod to the wine’s remarkable sense of proportion and harmony. Long praised by critics for its depth and resemblance to great dry whites from Pessac-Léognan, this cuvée has earned a reputation as one of California’s most distinctive and collectible white wines.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2020 La Proportion Dorée shows a clear, luminous golden hue with green highlights that hint at both freshness and concentration. The bouquet is intense and layered: notes of candied lemon peel, ripe stone fruits and honeysuckle unfold alongside aromas of apricot, fresh quince, juniper, beeswax and a subtle, flinty minerality. On the palate, this is a full‑bodied, seamless white with a luxurious, almost oily texture that remains beautifully balanced by lively acidity. The Sémillon brings depth, waxy richness and honeyed tones, while Sauvignon Blanc adds lift, citrus vibrancy and herbal complexity; Muscadelle contributes floral delicacy and perfume. Flavors of preserved lemon, white peach, apricot and acacia blossom are interwoven with nuances of lanolin, wet stone and a long, savory, mineral finish. Already compelling in its youth, this wine is built to evolve gracefully over two decades, gaining further complexity, truffle and nutty notes with time in bottle.

Production
Fruit for La Proportion Dorée comes from dry‑farmed, heritage vineyards in sunny Sonoma County, where 50–100‑year‑old vines dig deep into clay‑rich soils. These old Sémillon vines, in particular, produce naturally low yields of small, concentrated berries that are the backbone of the blend. The grapes are harvested by hand at optimal ripeness to preserve freshness as well as intensity, then gently pressed. In the cellar, Luc Morlet relies on classical techniques: fermentation and aging in fine French oak, extended aging on the lees and regular bâtonnage (lees stirring) to build texture, complexity and length. The result is a finely wrought white wine that captures both the character of its terroir and the elegance of traditional Bordeaux blanc.

Food & Serving
This is a gastronomic white that shines alongside rich, refined dishes. Pair it with lobster or crab in butter sauce, seared scallops, roast chicken with morels, veal in creamy tarragon sauce, or foie gras terrine. It also complements aged hard cheeses and richer goat’s and sheep’s milk cheeses. Serve at 10–12°C (50–54°F) to let the aromatics fully express themselves. Young bottles benefit from 30–60 minutes in a decanter or large glass to allow the bouquet to unfurl; older vintages can be gently opened and served without extended aeration.

Producer
Morlet Family Vineyards, based in picturesque St. Helena in the heart of Napa Valley, was founded by French‑born winemaker Luc Morlet and his wife Jodie. Drawing on Luc’s upbringing in Champagne and Burgundy, the estate is known for uniting classical European craftsmanship with the energy and generosity of California terroir. Working with low yields, meticulous vineyard management and a low‑intervention philosophy, Morlet has become a benchmark producer in Napa and Sonoma for both powerful reds and complex, cellar‑worthy whites. The La Proportion Dorée cuvée, in particular, has garnered significant critical acclaim and helped cement the estate’s reputation as one of the leading interpreters of Bordeaux-style wines on the West Coast.

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