2021 Morlet Family Vineyards Chardonnay 'Ma Princesse' Russian River Chardonnay 750 ml

Born into a winemaking family that goes back five generations in Champagne, Luc 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 Luc 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 racked up over 30 wines rated 94–99 points from Wine Advocate in just five years. Then, 19 years ago, Luc turned his focus to Morlet Family Vineyards. 

'Ma Princesse’ comes from the Ritchie Vineyard, which sits on Sonoma’s famous Sandy Goldridge Loam soils and eyes Kistler’s iconic Block 7 site directly across Trenton-Healdsburg Road. Ritchie falls smack in the center of the Russian River appellation, and its Old Wente clones eke out thick-skinned, small berries that possess fabulous concentration and phenolic complexity. In short, this is ground zero for California’s best Chardonnay vineyards.  

We should note: This wine’s competition is not limited to the Golden State. Vinified using classical Burgundian techniques, showing beautiful richness with precision and a vibrant streak of acidity and verve, it stands with the great Burgundies as well: Meursault, Montrachet, Morlet, they all belong in the same breath. 

After barrel fermentation on native yeast and sur lie aging in select French oak barrels, 'Ma Princesse’—named after Luc and Jodie’s daughter, who now works at the winery—is one of the most luxurious Chardonnay experiences you can have.