Morisoli Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford 2019
Morisoli Vineyard · Rutherford, Napa Valley, California, USA
At a glance
- Producer
- Morisoli Vineyard
- Region
- Rutherford, Napa Valley, California, USA
- Grape variety
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Wine type
- Red
- Body
- Full-bodied and Bold
- Sweetness
- Bone Dry
- Typical price
- $125–$180 USD
Tasting profile
Rich blackberry and cassis, black cherry, cocoa, vanilla, graphite, and hints of cedar and spice. Youthful concentration and vibrant structure.
Evolution: With cellaring, will gain savory tertiary notes: tobacco leaf, dried herbs, leather, earth, shaved pencil, and softened tannins.
At peak: Complex bouquet balancing black fruit, baking spice, earthy Rutherford dust, resolved structure, and harmonious palate impression.
Structure
- Acidity
- Medium (+), providing freshness and definition.
- Tannins
- Medium-high, firm but polished and beginning to round out.
- Alcohol
- Typically 14.5–15% ABV (reflective of Napa ripeness).
- Aging potential
- Excellent—built for 12–15+ years with proper cellaring.
Drinking window
- Peak drinking
- 2026 to 2032
- Optimal window
- 2024 to 2036
- Current status
- Approachable but young; primary fruit and substantial tannins.
- Current condition
- Well-structured and ageworthy, with integration of oak and fruit developing.
The robust structure and balance of ripe tannins and acidity indicate a classic Napa Valley Cabernet built for aging, with aromatics and secondary notes best emerging 6–12 years post-vintage.
Food pairing
Grilled ribeye, braised lamb shank, wild mushroom risotto, aged hard cheeses (e.g., aged Gouda, Comté).
Serving
- Decant
- Yes (30 minutes) — The wine has medium-high tannins that are firm but beginning to round out, which suggests it will benefit from aeration to soften the tannins and enhance its flavors.
Sustainability
Sustainability score: 5/10
Traditional Napa viticulture; hand-harvesting, attentive canopy management. Producer does not publicly detail advanced sustainability practices (renewable energy, regenerative farming, etc.). Packaging is standard Napa glass with no noted eco-initiatives.
While Morisoli Vineyard is highly respected for quality and site-specific farming, its sustainability measures are not documented or certified. Standard Napa practices may include some sustainability steps, but the absence of formal programs, certifications, or public reporting—and absence of lighter packaging or carbon offset programs—places this wine at a moderate score. Environmental improvements appear possible if the estate adopts and documents sustainable practices in line with leading global producers.