After today, NO MORGADO.

The final act has arrived. It’s time to say farewell. Adiós. Arrivederci. Tschüss. Sayanora. Au revoir. Yah-soo. Namaste…

Over the last four years we brought you 12+ mega-popular features from this beloved producer. Culminating a month ago with the stunning Spanish Springs Chardonnay.

A disciple from the Russel Bevan school of winemaking, Kimberly racked up massive scores and a devoted following over the years (just check these CellarTracker scores out!) Not a shocker that each one sells out.

While she hasn’t produced any recent vintages, we knew there had to be some bottles squirreled away in the cellar. We BEGGED Kimberly to share whatever was left. And while it wasn’t enough for a full-fledged feature, we got just enough to satiate the masses ONE MORE TIME…

Without further adieu we present you… THE MORGADO CELLAR RAID!

Fair warning - quantities are EXTREMELY limited.

If you’re new around here, Morgado comes from San Francisco firefighter Kimberly Hatcher, and she’s been making some fantastic wines for over a decade. Back when Robert Parker had brought everyone’s attention, he wrote that “Kimberly works with Russell Bevan and is a volunteer firefighter as well, but she has a super talent for winemaking, seems totally driven to produce something world-class, and appears to be succeeding in no uncertain terms. Unfortunately, the production of all her wines is relatively small… Nevertheless, I loved these wines. Kimberly has obviously picked up a few lessons from her mentor, Russell Bevan, as these are all full-throttle, complex, savory, mouth-filling, delicious wines…”

But the best part? We’re kind of giving these away to celebrate her future endeavors… while some winemakers shy away from extraction, oak, and otherwise dial it back, others dial it UP and push the limits. Words like MASSIVELY concentrated, rich, opulent, and expansive come close to describing this stuff but it’s truly difficult to fathom or describe. The sheer depth of fruit is like a cosmic vortex that sucks you in and never lets go.

Sourced from one of the preeminent vineyards in the Sta. Rita Hills heralded by Bevan, Kosta Browne, Chateau Boswell, Sandhi, Chanin, etc. it comes jam-packed with dark black cherries, raspberry coulis, chocolate-covered blueberry, toasty oak, and “smoked earth” as Jeb finds in this single vineyard.

And who owns it in case you’re wondering? Wine Spectator answers that “Sea Smoke only needed to look next door to find its purchase. Rita’s Crown Vineyard overlooks the Santa Ynez River Valley and sits adjacent to Sea Smoke’s estate vineyards in Sta. Rita Hills.” This dark and shadowy Pinot is nearly impenetrable to light and surely not for those who want some delicate Burgundian reiki on their tastebuds. These give off more of a deep tissue percussion of flavors.

And as well put by Robert Parker, “Kimberly has obviously picked up a few lessons from her mentor, Russell Bevan, as these are all full-throttle, complex, savory, mouth-filling, delicious wines…”

It’s been a good run, these “rich, concentrated, pleasure-bent efforts that deliver the goods” (Jeb Dunnuck) will surely be missed!

94 Points – Jeb Dunnuck

“All destemmed and brought up in new barrels, the 2017 Pinot Noir Rita’s Crown has a vibrant, spicy black cherry, underbrush, and forest floor bouquet that gives way to a round, textured, yet racy Pinot Noir. It offers terrific acidity, plenty of fruit, and a great finish. Drink 2020-2030.”