Morlet Family Vineyards Coteaux Nobles Pinot Noir 2017

Winery Background and History

Morlet Family Vineyards, established by Luc and Jodie Morlet in St. Helena, Napa Valley, is renowned for producing handcrafted wines that blend Old World traditions with New World innovation. Luc Morlet, a fifth-generation winemaker from France, brings his family’s legacy to California, focusing on vineyard-designated wines that express the unique terroirs of Napa Valley and Sonoma County. The estate emphasizes meticulous vineyard management and classical winemaking techniques to create wines of elegance and complexity.

Producer and Winemaker

Luc Morlet, the proprietor and winemaker, hails from a lineage of French vintners and has honed his craft through experiences in both France and California. His approach marries traditional Burgundian methods with California’s diverse terroirs, resulting in wines that are both expressive and refined. Luc’s dedication to quality and terroir-driven winemaking is evident in each bottle produced at Morlet Family Vineyards.

Vineyards and Micro Climate

The 2017 Coteaux Nobles Pinot Noir originates from the Nobles Ranch vineyard, situated in the Fort Ross-Seaview AVA on the Sonoma Coast. Located on the eastern slope of the second ridge from the Pacific Ocean at elevations between 1,350 and 1,450 feet, the vineyard benefits from a cool maritime breeze and a mild, sunny mountain climate. The Goldridge sedimentary soils and northern exposure contribute to the development of Pinot Noir grapes with vibrant acidity and complex flavor profiles. 

Vinification & Aging Methods

Grapes for the Coteaux Nobles Pinot Noir are hand-harvested at night, then meticulously sorted cluster by cluster and berry by berry. Fermentation occurs using native yeasts in stainless steel tanks and French oak puncheons, with manual punch-downs to extract color and flavor. The wine is aged for 14 months in French oak barrels from select artisan coopers and is bottled unfined and unfiltered to maintain its integrity and expression of terroir.

Tasting Notes

The 2017 Coteaux Nobles Pinot Noir exhibits a medium ruby-purple hue and offers an intense and fragrant bouquet of warm cranberries, redcurrant jelly, and fresh raspberries, complemented by notes of cinnamon stick, wild sage, underbrush, and damp soil, with a waft of candied violets. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied, bursting with vivacity and freshness, offering layers of red berry and earthy flavors, and a very finely grained texture, finishing long and perfumed. 

Food & Wine Pairing

This Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, including roast duck, grilled salmon, or mushroom risotto. Its vibrant acidity and complex fruit profile complement the richness of these dishes, while the earthy undertones harmonize with savory flavors. Additionally, it can be enjoyed with a selection of soft cheeses or charcuterie.

Service Methods and Temperatures

To fully appreciate its nuances, serve the 2017 Coteaux Nobles Pinot Noir slightly below room temperature, at 59–61°F (15–16°C). Decanting for one hour prior to serving can enhance its aromatic complexity and allow the wine to open up gracefully.

Storage and Aging Potential

While approachable now, the 2017 Coteaux Nobles Pinot Noir possesses the structure and balance to age gracefully for 20 to 25 years. Proper cellaring conditions—cool temperatures, consistent humidity, and minimal light exposure—will allow the wine to develop additional complexity and depth over time.

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used

• 100% Pinot Noir

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

• 14.5%

Scores

• Robert Parker (Wine Advocate): 96/100

• Jeb Dunnuck: 95/100

• CellarTracker: 95/100