MorisoliEstate Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

The Morisoli family has owned and farmed this heritage grower vineyard since 1902. It spans 53 acres in the renowned Rutherford bench along Neibaum Lane. This is hallowed ground in the valley with neighbors including Inglenook and Scarecrow’s JJ Cohn Vineyard. Morisoli vines grow in alluvial soils eroded from the Mayacamas mountain range, resulting in well-drained soils that consistently produce complex wines with firm tannins and abundant fruit flavors. Gary, Melody, and son Chris Morisoli use original tractors and vintage implements to farm the old way. A French plow is used to kill 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. Previously, the name 'Morisoli Vineyard' adorned bottles as a single vineyard source. However, in 2018, Chris Morisoli and his parents decided to keep some fruit to create their own wine, which marked their debut vintage. This wine is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, with only 140 cases produced. On the nose, it offers notes of dried herbs, cedar, cherry, cassis, and a hint of dark chocolate. The palate is medium to full-bodied, with sturdy tannins that are ripe, smooth, and deliver a long finish.