The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Coeur de Vallee (also from Oakville) is a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon and 24% Cabernet Franc. Projected aromatics of cedarwood, black currants, ink, espresso roast, spice box, and chocolate are followed by an opulent, fleshy, full-bodied red that is slightly more evolved and accessible than the Passionement. It should evolve for 20-25 years. This is a brilliant portfolio of wines from Frenchman Luc Morlet. Production for these cuvees ranges from a low of 75 cases for several of the Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs, to a high of 660 cases for the Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc/Muscadelle blend called La Proportion Doree. Only indigenous yeasts are used in the fermentations as well as 100% French oak barrels, there is no fining or filtration, and all the wines are made with a hand-crafted zeal for high quality. The 2007 and 2008 Chardonnays would make a tremendous comparative tasting to decide which vintage turned out better. In most cases, 2007 gets the nod, but at this estate, it’s pretty much a dead heat. I suspect the only way to secure any of the Morlet Family Vineyards’ wines is to get on their mailing list. Tel. (707) 967-8690; Fax (707) 967-8590

All three Cabernet Sauvignons (close to 200 cases of each) are impressive wines.From the To-Kalon Vineyard, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Coeur de Vallee is a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon and 24% Cabernet Franc. Another compelling wine from Luc Morlet, the seamless integration of acidity, tannin, alcohol, and wood are all present in this deep purple-colored wine, which is made in small fermenters and has beautiful purity and depth. (Price not yet determined)I’ll keep my tasting notes relatively short since the production of most of these wines is small. The Chardonnay production for the Ma Douce and Ma Princesse is 200-360 cases, but the Coup de Coeur is only three barrels, or 75 cases. The Pinot Noirs are all four barrels, or 100 cases, so notes are limited, but there are 480 cases of the absolutely sensational La Proportion Doree and just under 200 cases of each of the Cabernet Sauvignons. These are all the projects of well-known Luc Morlet, whose brother is the principal winemaker at Peter Michael after replacing Luc himself, who now has a consulting firm, in addition to this project under his own family name. Not surprisingly, Luc Morlet’s Chardonnays all emerge from old Wente clones and have a style not terribly different from what one might expect from Peter Michael. His motto at the winery is, “Quality without compromise,” and one sees that throughout these personality-filled wines.Tel. (707) 967-8690; Fax (707) 967-8590