2019 Morlet Family Vineyards Chardonnay ‘Ma Princesse’ Russian River Valley 750 ml

The 2019 Morlet Family Vineyards Chardonnay Ma Princesse Russian River Valley is as good as California Chardonnay gets—and we’re not the only ones who feel that way.  

Wine Advocate gave it 96–98+ points, putting it alongside California’s biggest cult Chardonnay names—not to mention Domaine des Comtes Lafon’s 2019 Montrachet Grand Cru, which runs for $3500.

Born into a winemaking family that goes back five generations in Champagne, Luc Morlet was stirring barrel-fermented Chardonnay when he was just a schoolboy. During his graduate studies, he interned at the prestigious Chanson Père et Fils in Beaune, and upon graduation he was mentored by Jacques Boissenot.   

Love for his American sweetheart brought him to California, where he quickly reached the top rung of the Chardonnay ladder, replacing John Kongsgaard at Newton. Later, as the winemaker for Peter Michael, he continued Helen Turley’s legacy and made over 30 wines rated 94–99 points from Wine Advocate in just five years. Then, some 15 years ago, he turned his focus to Morlet Family Vineyards. His namesake winery now boasts more than 30 Advocate ratings of 98 points and higher.

Ma Princesse comes from a hillside vineyard located on the riverbench of the Russian River Valley. Planted to the Old Wente clone, the dry-farmed vines produce small, tight clusters that yield grapes with excellent concentration and richness.  

After hand-harvesting, the grapes are sorted cluster by cluster, pressed, then fermented using native yeast. Putting the wine through 100% malolactic fermentation, along with letting it rest on its lees, leads to a full, luscious palate. After 5–10 years in the cellar, the wine is one of the most rewarding and fascinating examples of Chardonnay you could hope to experience.