2023 Morlet Family Vineyards Chardonnay 'Ma Douce' Fort Ross-Seaview Sonoma Coast 750 ml

There's an echelon of California Chardonnay that many don't know exists, and very few ever get to experience. It's populated by hallowed wineries like Kongsgaard and Peter Michael, whose bottles are as coveted as the Grands Crus of the Côte de Beaune.

Luc's 2023 Morlet Family Vineyards Chardonnay 'Ma Douce' is one of those bottles: It's a masterpiece. Sourced from a Fort Ross-Seaview vineyard at 1,500–1,600 feet of elevation, above the fog layer, and barrel-fermented in French oak, it's a gorgeous, vibrant Chardonnay that earned a staggering 98 points from former Wine Advocate chief Lisa Perrotti-Brown's The Wine Palate, placing it with the world's elite.

In an early rave about Morlet, Robert Parker counseled his readers to “Run, don't walk—take your checkbook or credit card out and splurge” for the wines. The 2023 'Ma Douce' is definitely worth running for!

Love for his American sweetheart brought Luc Morlet to California, where he quickly reached the top of the Chardonnay ladder, replacing John Kongsgaard at Newton. Later, as 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, two decades ago, Luc turned his focus to Morlet Family Vineyards. His namesake winery now boasts thirty five 100-point scores across its portfolio.

'Ma Douce' comes from the Fort Ross-Seaview AVA in what's known as the “True Sonoma Coast.” Sitting hillside on the second ridge in from the Pacific, the plot enjoys a mild and sunny mountain climate and cool maritime breezes, which imbue the wine with the sacred balance of ripeness and verve that defines world-class Chardonnay, no matter where it's grown.