Napa & Sonoma Winemakers

Luc Morlet

Winemaker · Morlet Family Vineyards · St. Helena

Champagne-born Luc Morlet made his name at Peter Michael and Staglin before founding Morlet Family Vineyards in St. Helena with his wife, Jodie. His French-named Cabernets and Chardonnays are some of the most admired in Napa, and he has returned to Newton on Spring Mountain.

Two glasses of wine under an oak above St. Helena vineyards

About Luc Morlet

  • Born in Épernay into a fifth-generation Champagne grower family.
  • Trained in viticulture and oenology at the Université de Reims and later earned a wine-business MBA from the Burgundy School of Business.
  • Worked in Champagne, Burgundy and Bordeaux, including as régisseur at Château Dauzac in Margaux from 1994.
  • Moved to California in 1996 and spent five harvests at Newton Vineyard on Spring Mountain.
  • Winemaker at Peter Michael Winery for the 2001-2005 vintages; his 2001 Les Pavots was Wine Spectator's No. 5 wine of 2004.
  • Hired by Staglin Family Vineyard in late 2005.
  • Founded Morlet Family Vineyards with his wife Jodie in 2006 and stayed on as consultant to Peter Michael; began restoring a historic St. Helena winery in 2010.
  • Morlet wines have been released through La Place de Bordeaux since 2022.
  • Newton Vineyard announced his return as winemaker, about 30 years after he first arrived there.

Luc's own wines

Where Luc makes wine today

Wineries Luc has made wine for

Consulting relationships change often; these are clients past and recent as reported over the years.

Notable wines and scores

  • 2021 Morlet Coeur de Vallée Cabernet Sauvignon: 100 pts, Gilbert & Gaillard
  • 2020 Morlet Coeur de Vallée Cabernet Sauvignon: 99 pts, Gilbert & Gaillard
  • 2012 Morlet Coeur de Vallée Cabernet Sauvignon (barrel sample): 96–100 pts, Robert Parker / Wine Advocate
  • 2001 Peter Michael Les Pavots, Knights Valley: 98 pts, Wine Spectator

Recognition

  • Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2004, No. 5 (Peter Michael Les Pavots 2001)

Taste Luc's wines in wine country

Many of these wineries are by appointment only, and some sell only to their mailing lists. Tell us which wines you would like to taste and your chauffeur will book what is possible and build the day around it. See our Napa Valley wine tours and Sonoma County wine tours, or plan a private tour.

Sources

napawineproject.com · newtonvineyard.com · thedrinksbusiness.com · winespectator.com · gilbertgaillard.com · beckstoffervineyards.com

Taste these wines with Bien

Many of these wineries are by appointment only. Tell us the wines you want to taste and your chauffeur books what is possible and builds the day around it.

Private six-hour tours with your own chauffeur and luxury SUV for up to 6 guests, from $600 plus gratuity. Bottled water and tasting appointments included.

Plan My Wine Tour

Prefer to talk? Call or text 833-915-2436.

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