Overview of the Wine
Situated along Niebaum Lane, just west of Highway 29 in the center of the historic Rutherford Bench. The contiguous, 53-acre vineyard sits at the base of Mt. St. John on alluvial soils from the Mayacamas Range. These well-drained, gravelly bale-clay and pleasanton-loam soils consistently yield wines of great complexity, firm tannins, and abundant fruit flavors.
The vineyard is farmed by the Morisoli Family as it has been since 1902. Gary, Melody, and their son Chris Morisoli use original tractors and vintage implements to farm the old way. A French plow is used to remove weeds around the vines instead of using sprays, and the vineyard is disced regularly to maintain moisture in the soil. Irrigation is used sparingly during the summer to maintain vine health during heat spells. Harvest is completed in the early morning by hand using the same crew, year to year. Cover crops of plow-down legumes (Sweet Peas, Vetch and Fava Beans) are planted to return nitrogen and other nutrients to the soil every year after harvest and sub-soil ripping.
We pride ourselves on long-lasting relationships with wineries who have purchased our fruit for years. Less than two percent of our grapes are made into our Morisoli Vineyard estate grown wines. Visit these producers and see what makes them special and why we enjoy working with them.
Winemaker
Joel Aiken
Grape / Blend
100% Zinfandel
Origin
Rutherford, California
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
After a picture-perfect growing season the grapes were harvested, destemmed, and received 3 days of cold soaking to gently extract color from the skins. The must in the tank was then inoculated with yeast and received 2 to 3 pump overs a day during a total of 20 days of maceration. After draining and pressing, the wine displayed beautiful dark color and pinpoint intensity. Barrel aging lasted for 27 months in 70% new French oak barrels from Maury and Seguin Moreau. The wine is powerful, with firm tannins with seamless integration adding to the wine’s depth and richness. Ripe black cherry and cassis with a hint of savory herbs and mocha give way to a lasting finish allowing for decades of exceptional aging.
98 Points - The Wine Palate
Youthfully Shy, Bold, Black Fruit, Cassis, Lavender, Loam, Medium to Full bodied, Refreshing Acidity, Subtle Oak, Grainy Texture, High Tannin, Needs Time
The 2021 Morisoli Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep garnet-purple colored, it needs a little swirling before the nose bursts with expressive cassis, crushed blackberries, and black raspberries, followed by hints of lavender oil, garrigue, and tilled soil. The medium to full-bodied palate has wonderful finesse and energy, delivering ripe, grainy tannins and bold freshness, finishing on a lingering red berry note. Beautiful!
Food Pairings: Grilled Steak, Grilled Lamb, Beef Stews, Venison
Drinking Window: 2026–2049
Product size: 750ml
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