2018 MORISOLI CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Harvest & Growing Season
2018 was a picture perfect year with significant winter rains and warm temperatures in the summer created a balanced and ripe fruit with well resolved tannins. A late summer full of 80-85F days created the perfect ripening weather with ample amount of “hangtime”. 2.46 tons of Cabernet Sauvignon was handpicked on October 18th 2018 at 26.5 Brix.
Vinification
Handcrafted by winemaker Joel Aiken, the fruit completed a four day cold soak at 45F, followed by warming of the must to 70F and inoculation. During fermentation the juice was pumped over up to 3 times a day with a peak temperature of 87F. After 27 days of maceration, the must was drained and pressed. After settling, the wine was placed into 60% new, Seguin Moreau, Icone barrels with medium-long toast. After malolactic fermentation in January 2019, the wine was racked once in 2019 and once in 2020. Finally, the wine was master blended in July and bottled on July 20, 2020.
Bottled Wine Analysis: 14.7% alcohol, 5.0 TA & 3.7 pH.
Cases Produced: 120x 750 ml Standard // 10x 1.5L Magnums
REVIEWS
KEVIN M. VOGT – MASTER SOMMELIER
“The Morisoli Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 begins with a pure, elegant nose of red and black fruits, baking spice, violets, and Kalamata olives. The concentrated palate has a linear focus, with primary flavors of blackberries and red currants, along with the signature Rutherford dust, then continuing with dried mushrooms, pen ink, and pipe tobacco. This gorgeous Rutherford Cab is beautifully constructed, with all of the balance, elegance, power, and grace you would expect from Winemaker Joel Aiken. The intense fruit, long finish, and firm structure promise a couple of decades of future enjoyment.” 97 Points
The Wine Advocate – Joe Czerwinski
2018 Morisoli Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon – The first commercial vintage from this longtime grape-growing family, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon was made by Joel Aiken (ex BV). After 27 days on skins, the wine matured in 60% new French oak (Seguin Moreau Icône). Black cherries lead the way on the nose, gently framed by cedar and vanilla shadings, with a pleasant herbal nuance adding complexity. It’s medium to full-bodied and supple in the mouth, with a silky feel and more savory, loam-like characters on the lingering finish.
94 Points
