The 2021 Morisoli Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is a notable entry from the esteemed Rutherford sub-appellation in Napa, California. This wine, crafted by the Morisoli family, is derived entirely from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and presents a deep garnet-purple hue. It reflects a meticulous aging process of 24 to 27 months in predominantly new French oak barrels, highlighting its structured complexity.
The Wine Palate awards this vintage an exceptional score of 98, describing it as "beautiful" with a nose of cassis, blackberries, and raspberries, complemented by lavender oil and earthy nuances. The review praises its "wonderful finesse and energy" with ripe tannins and bold freshness.
Jeb Dunnuck also highly praises the wine, giving it a score of 96. Dunnuck highlights the wine's "cassis, graphite, violets, crushed stone," and the signature "Rutherford chocolate and dusty earth." The review suggests cellaring for 4-6 years, emphasizing its potential longevity, expecting it to age gracefully until 2055.
Decanter rates the wine at 97, noting it as one of the best Cabernets released by the Morisoli family. The review describes "pure blackberry and cherry fruits" with "dusty minerals, dried sage, tobacco, and sandalwood." The wine is lauded for its "precision" and "seamless" integration, showcasing extraordinary consistency in texture, aroma, and flavor.
Wine Spectator offers a score of 95, noting its "fleshy and winey" nature with "roasted apple wood" and "warmed cassis and plum fruit flavors." The review emphasizes its "restrained" feel with an "iron note" through the finish, firmly rooted in the Rutherford style.
Overall, the 2021 Morisoli Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is a well-crafted wine that exhibits elegance, structure, and a sense of place, earning high praise across esteemed publications.