2018 Amici Morisoli Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Etched 3L

98+points

Jeb Dunnuck

“Blockbuster of a finish“

Vineyard Notes

Morisoli Vineyard consists of 53 contiguous acres on the famed Rutherford Bench in the Napa Valley. Gary Morisoli is the fourth generation of his family to grow grapes on this historic property, which has been family-farmed for over 100 years. Primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, the fruit from this vineyard is some of the most sought after in the Napa Valley. Surrounded by Staglin Family Vineyard, Scarecrow, Joseph Phelps Vineyards and Inglenook, Morisoli Vineyard fruit exhibits classic “Rutherford Dust” qualities and rich Cabernet Sauvignon character.

Winemaking Notes

The 2018 Morisoli is a quintessential Rutherford wine, with rich blackberry notes balanced with delicate wintergreen on the nose. Savory flavors of tobacco, black currant and figgy jam create a luscious mouthfeel on the palate reminiscent of Rutherford dust. A classic, dense finish shows powdery tannins and an umami flavor that makes you want to come back for more.

Vintage
2018
Varietal
Cabernet Sauvignon Etched 3L
Vineyard
Morisoli Vineyard
Appellation
Rutherford, Napa Valley
Blend
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol
14.9%
Fermentation & Aging
100% Stainless Steel fermentation; Aged 22 months in 100% new French oak barrels

A Single Vineyard Wine

Morisoli Vineyard

Vineyard Details

Reviews

98+points

Jeb Dunnuck

Possibly a candidate for perfection in 4-5 years, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Morisoli Vineyard reveals a deep, dense purple/blue color to go with incredible notes of blueberries, crème de cassis, scorched earth, camphor, graphite, and a Graves-like earthy minerality. Full-bodied and powerful on the palate, it has beautifully integrated tannins, a solid spine of acidity, terrific mid-palate depth, and a blockbuster of a finish that keeps you coming back to the glass. Give bottles 2-4 years in a cold cellar, count yourself lucky, and enjoy over the following two decades.

96+points

Wine Advocate

Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Morisoli Vineyard sports a deep garnet-purple color with exuberant notes of warm black plums, ripe black cherries and baked blackberries with hints of powdered cinnamon, dusty soil, black olives and tree bark. The full-bodied, decadently fruited palate is chock-full of black fruit preserves and baking spice accents, textured with velvety tannins and seamless freshness, finishing on a lingering peppery note

96points

International Wine Report

The Morisoli Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is a wondeful showing in this vintage from Amici. It begins with aromas of fresh blackberries, cassis and dark plums that come together with Asian spices, spring florals, pepper and hints of tobacco all coming together beautifully in the glass. Full-bodied and remarkably well structured, with wonderful concentration. It continues to impress as it shows wonderful freshness and depth through the ultra-long finish. This certainly displays excellent potential for long term cellaring and should go on to have an even brighter future ahead.

95points

James Suckling

Wow. This is really spicy and intense on the nose with blackberries, cloves, cedar and hints of chili. Some ink, too. It’s full-bodied and chewy with intense tannins and lots of fruit and new oak. It needs time to come together. Try after 2024.

93points

Vinous Media

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Morisoli Vineyard is plump and juicy, with lovely forward character to match its mid-weight personality. The aromatics alone are so distinctive. Sage, mint, licorice, dried herbs and earthy notes in the bouquet lead to layers of dark fruit. There is a bit of old-school California in the Morisoli, but that just adds to its considerable allure. The 2018 is a bit reticent today, but it has quite a bit of potential if it comes together a bit more fully in bottle.

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