2022 Morlet Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Coeur De Vallée

EN PRIMEUR DISCOUNT VALID UNTIL 1/11/2025 AND WHILE STOCKS LAST - EXPECTED DECEMBER 2025. PRICES FOR EN PRIMEUR ARE EXTRA DORDRECHT. AS A FREE SERVICE, THE WINES CAN BE CONDITIONED AND SAFELY STORED BY US SO THAT THEY CAN BE PICKED UP ON OCCASION OR SHIPPED AT COST BY ARRANGEMENT.

the history of Morlet Family Vineyards

Morlet Family Vineyards was founded by Luc and Jodie Morlet, a French-American couple who combined their passion for wine with the unique potential of Napa Valley. Luc grew up in Champagne and learned winemaking at some of the finest estates in Bordeaux and Burgundy. With this background, he brought classic French methods to California, where he developed his own style. Since its founding, Morlet Family Vineyards has established itself as a producer of small-batch, terroir-driven wines that have gained worldwide recognition. The wines are known for their depth, balance, and ability to impress both young and after decades of cellaring.

the terroir of Coeur de Vallée in Oakville

The Cœur de Vallée parcel is located in Oakville, in the heart of Napa Valley. This site is among California's most prestigious, with neighbors such as Opus One, Screaming Eagle, and Harlan Estate. The vineyard covers 24 hectares and is divided into six distinct blocks. Each block has its own microterroir with variations in soil, orientation, and sun exposure. The soils consist of gravel-rich alluvial deposits from the Mayacamas Range. The gravel content ranges between 40 and 60 percent, ensuring excellent drainage and low yields, which enhances the concentration and aromatic intensity of the grapes. During the day, the area benefits from abundant sunshine, while the proximity of San Pablo Bay provides cooling at night. This combination produces grapes that are ripe and powerful yet retain their freshness and tension.

sustainable and organic viticulture

Morlet Family Vineyards has been working according to organic and regenerative principles for years. The vineyards are cultivated with organic compost and legume cover crops that fix nitrogen from the air. No pesticides or herbicides are used. Instead, bluebirds, owls, and bees help maintain a healthy ecosystem. Bees ensure pollination and improved soil water retention, while birds and owls are natural insect and rodent repellents. Sheep periodically graze in the vineyards, contributing to fertile and aerated soil. This approach strengthens the vitality of the vines and promotes the pure expression of the terroir.

the 2022 harvest year in Napa Valley

2022 was a challenging year with drought and an intense heatwave in September. Nevertheless, the Morlet team managed to harvest grapes that were fully ripe and healthy. The cooler nights in Oakville helped preserve acidity and gave the grapes extra aromatic tension. Harvest took place at night, in small 15-kilogram crates, so the grapes remained cool and intact. Thanks to strict selection, only the finest fruit was used. This resulted in a wine that is powerful and structured, yet refined and elegant.

grape varieties and blending

The 2022 Morlet Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Cœur de Vallée is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Cabernet Sauvignon forms the heart of the wine, delivering intense black fruit, power, and structure. Cabernet Franc adds complexity with floral and spicy notes and provides an elegant, mineral undertone. This combination gives the wine depth, balance, and expressive layering typical of this Oakville parcel.

vinification and maturation

After hand harvesting, the grapes were carefully selected, first by bunch and then berry by berry. Fermentation took place with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel tanks and French oak puncheons. Extraction was carried out using a proprietary innovation, the Gyrobox, which gently maintained contact between the wine and the skins. Aging lasted approximately 18 months in French oak barrels from select coopers, many of which were new. This gives the wine additional layers and texture, without the oak overpowering the fruit. The wine was bottled unfiltered and unfined to preserve maximum complexity and authenticity.

color, aroma and taste of the 2022 Coeur de Vallée

The wine is a deep ruby red with purple highlights. The nose reveals aromas of cassis, black cherries, and blueberries, complemented by mint, violets, and a hint of tobacco. Subtle notes of dark chocolate and espresso add complexity. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and powerful, with firm yet refined tannins. The structure is concentrated yet elegant, with a long finish that combines minerality and ripe fruit. Reviews highlight the combination of ripe Napa intensity with the precision and finesse reminiscent of a great Bordeaux.

success and international recognition

Morlet Family Vineyards is now known as one of Napa Valley's most respected producers. Year after year, the wines from the Cœur de Vallée parcel receive high ratings from international critics. More recent vintages have received ratings of up to 100 points, placing them among the world's finest. The 2022 demonstrates that even in a warm year, a wine can be made that combines balance, depth, and aging potential. For serious connoisseurs and sommeliers, this is a must-have wine in any cellar.

Would you like to order wines from Morlet Family Vineyards online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you these when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address. You can read full wine reviews from publications like Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator.

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wine and food pairings with the 2022 Coeur de Vallée

• Grilled ribeye with rosemary and garlic. The full-bodied meat complements the wine's robust structure and ripe tannins beautifully.
• Rack of lamb with thyme and eggplant purée. The savory notes enhance the spiciness and floral nuances of the Cabernet Franc.
• Risotto with truffle and Parmesan. The creamy texture and earthy truffle notes bring out the wine's layering and finesse.
• Venison loin with blackcurrant jus. The game and fruity sauce combine seamlessly with the wine's intensity and complexity.
• Grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant with pecorino. The roasted flavors and savory cheese enhance the freshness and balance.
• Veal tenderloin with morels and cream sauce. The rich sauce and delicate veal flavors complement the wine's concentration and elegance beautifully.

About Oakville - Napa Valley

Oakville, located in the heart of the region, represents some of Napa Valley's greatest, most powerful wines. It is this part of Napa Valley that has established itself as a leading producer of Cabernet Sauvignon, resulting in internationally recognized, award-winning wines. With equally powerful regions surrounding Oakville, including Rutherford, Yountville, and St. Helena, the Oakville AVA has succeeded in producing world-class wines from its unique soil and perfect heat. With a distinct combination of clay, loam, and sandy soils, the Oakville region has succeeded in producing highly complex and structured Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, and Chardonnay. It is these Bordeaux varietals that have brought several wineries to the international spotlight. One such winery is Screaming Eagle Winery, which has produced consistent expressions of Cabernet Sauvignon and was able to auction one of its vintages for $500,000. This price tag has made it one of the most expensive wines in the world. Besides the Screaming Eagle Winery, Oakville boasts several other wineries throughout the region, including Harlan, Bond, Promontory, and Morlet.