Morlet Family Vineyards

Luc and Jodie Morlet founded Morlet Family Vineyards in 2006. Luc Morlet is a fifth generation winegrower from Champagne, France, who grew up working on his family's domaine in Avenay-Val-d'Or. He earned a Master's degree in Oenology from the University of Reims and an MBA in Wine Business from the Burgundy School of Business in Dijon. Before establishing his own label, he held winemaking positions at Newton Vineyard and Peter Michael Winery. In 2010, the Morlets acquired an 1880s stone winery building in St. Helena, which they restored into a modern gravity-flow facility. The estate remains family-owned and operated, with Jodie Morlet serving as the general manager.

The estate manages several vineyard sites across Napa Valley and Sonoma County. Their Oakville vineyard, Coeur de Vallee, is situated on the western bench and features gravelly, volcanic soils. In the Knights Valley appellation, the Mon Chevalier vineyard is planted to Bordeaux varietals on hillsides reaching 600 feet in elevation. The Morlets also lease and farm sites in the Fort Ross-Seaview region for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Winemaking employs traditional French techniques such as native yeast fermentation and aging in barrels from artisanal coopers. Precision is maintained through Luc's own inventions, including Le Trieur sorting machine and the Gyrobox, which facilitates automated barrel rotation.

The producer is known for a diverse portfolio that includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. Signature wines include the Passionnement Cabernet Sauvignon and the La Proportion Doree, a white blend inspired by the wines of Pessac-Leognan. They are also recognized for the Force de la Nature Cabernet Franc and estate Pinot Noirs like Joli Coeur and Ma Douce. The winery has received significant critical recognition, including multiple 100-point ratings from major wine publications. Production is kept to small quantities, primarily distributed through a mailing list and high-end restaurant programs. Their wines have been served on multiple occasions during official state functions at the White House.