2019 MORISOLI CABERNET SAUVIGNON

Harvest & Growing Season

A fantastic ripening year, with little rain and warm temperatures in the summer created a very concentrated and powerful 2019 vintage. Short heat spells in the high 90s and low 100s during June, July, and August led to fast initial ripening. Cooler night temperatures in September kept the fruit from over ripening and allowed for ample hangtime while balancing out the flavors and acidity with beautifully resolved tannins. 2.52 tons of Cabernet Sauvignon was handpicked on October 9th, 2019 at 26.5 Brix.

Vinification

Perfectly ripe grapes for this wine gave up beautiful color quickly and after a two-day cold soak at 45F, the tank was warmed and inoculated. During fermentation, the juice was pumped over two to three times daily, increasingly showing amazing color and intensity. The wine was drained and pressed from the must after 15 days of maceration. Extended aging for 27 months in 60% new Seguin Moreau Icone and Maury French oak barrels that resulted in a rich and complex wine. Intense aromas and flavors of black cherry, cassis, dried herbs, and mocha are integrated into an exceptionally expressive bouquet. Our winemaker Joel Aiken calls it a classic Rutherford Bench Cabernet Sauvignon that will age beautifully for decades.

Bottled Wine Analysis: 14.8% alcohol, 5.8 g/l TA & 3.7 pH.

Cases Produced: 140x 750 ml Standard / 10x 1.5L Magnums

REVIEWS

The Wine Advocate – Joe Czerwinski

2019 Morisoli Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon – Not yet released, Morisoli’s 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon builds on the foundation laid by the 2018, being slightly darker in hue, with more pronounced aromas and flavors. Dried herbs and cedar accent cherry and cassis, adding a note of dark chocolate on the nose, while the palate is medium to full-bodied, framed by sturdy tannins while remaining ripe, smooth and long on the finish. 95 pts

WINE SPECTATOR: JAMES MOLESWORTH

2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford 2019 – This has a fresh, focused core of red currant and black cherry flavors laced with cedar, dusty earth and iron minerality along the way. Fresh, fine-grained and reserved through the finish. Very Rutherford in feel, with the minerality bringing nice precision. Best from 2024 through 2036. 140 cases made. 93 pts