Fall in the Vineyard
Fall in the Vineyard
Fall is here. It’s an especially significant time in the wine world—the time of grapes reaching maturity and being harvested and starting their cycle of becoming wine. Leaves are changing color, there’s a coolness in the air, we start to crave heartier foods. It’s also the time when our wine palate evolves into seeking out the best fall wines.
What’s a fall wine? It’s probably red: one great example is our Il Barone. This reserve wine is typically a blend of approximately 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot. The majority of the grapes were sourced from the Rutherford AVA, known for the complexity in its terroir. Our winemakers aged this vintage for 22 months in French oak barrels. The name is a nod to our Italian heritage and the nobility, if you will, of the wines we craft. In this case, Il Barone suggests refinement and elegance as well as power and nuanced strength, all great attributes for a big, bold and delicious Cabernet Sauvignon.
Fall in the Napa Valley is one of the most magical times of the year. Here at the Castello we welcome visitors who come intentionally to enjoy the aromas of fermenting grapes and glimpses of grapes being processed on the crush pad of the castle with state-of-the-art equipment and French Oak wine barrels sourced from the center of France.
The autumn is a time when all of us look forward to sitting down to lots of food and deeply flavored foods, like roasts and rich cheeses and long-simmered stews. We offer a number of ‘fall wines’ to pair with those choices.
Because of the crispness in the air during the fall in the Napa Valley, visitors often enjoy longer visits at the Castle, making sure they’ve climbed all the stairs, surveyed the countryside beyond our moat, maybe even peeked into the torture chamber or the chapel.
All of that exertion does open up your taste buds to a range of great fall wines which are primarily our small production single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons, such as Morisoli-Borges Cabernet Sauvignon as well as traditional Italian varietals such as Sangiovese, Pinot Bianco, Vermentino and Pinot Grigio.
Fabulous fall! Come visit us during this great time of year or re-create our romantic setting at your home—light some candles, settle in by the fireplace or around an outdoor fire, open some wonderful autumn wines along with hearty food and enjoy!
Explore Morisoli-Borges
Explore Morisoli-Borges Vineyard in Napa Valley’s Rutherford Bench
Nestled at the heart of Napa Valley’s renowned “Rutherford Bench,” the Morisoli Family vineyard stands as a living testament to four generations of unwavering dedication to crafting exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon. Originating in the early 1900s, the Morisoli legacy took root in the western expanse of Rutherford, where their grape cultivation journey began. Today, under the sustainable stewardship of the fourth generation, this vineyard seamlessly blends “old” and “young” Cabernet Sauvignon blocks, each nurtured with meticulous care. The resulting wine eloquently captures the celebrated “dust” character intrinsic to Rutherford, enfolding the palate with its tender, velvety tannins.
Since 1900
The Morisoli Family’s grape-growing journey, dating back to 1900, continues into the present with Mike Morisoli. In 1971, Mike Morisoli’s parents purchased this very vineyard, located on the west side of Highway 29, and just south of Niebaum Lane, continuing the family’s tradition of winemaking excellence. The vineyard transitioned primarily to Cabernet Sauvignon in the late 1980s, with a subsequent smaller redevelopment in 2006.
The Legendary Rutherford Dust
Positioned deep within the Napa Valley, the Rutherford Bench emerges as a distinctive American Viticultural Area. Its heart lies in the small town of Rutherford, California, renowned for its picturesque views and quiet small town charm. Its well-drained soil, a blend of gravel, loam, and sand enriched by volcanic deposits and marine sediments, is a canvas for viticultural artistry. In a modest expanse spanning 6,650 acres, this appellation weaves its magic.
The Rutherford region offers a complexity mirroring Napa Valley’s own intricate tapestry. A sanctuary for late-ripening grapes, nestled in the valley’s core. This deliberate pace imparts finesse and intricate layers to the wines. Amplified by deeper soils and diverse microclimates, it stretches growing seasons and nurturing “hang time,” resulting in tannins with a velvety, ethereal character. The wines from these soils embody a delicate dance of “fine dusty tannins,” accompanied by hints of plush cocoa powder. The Rutherford AVA encapsulates more than geography; an unfolding experience in every sip.
Mike Morisoli and The Next Generation of The Morisoli Family
“Rutherford dust” is a term for the fine, dusty tannins found in wines from Rutherford AVA, Napa Valley. These tannins enhance texture, mouthfeel, and aging potential, attributed to the region’s soil, climate, and grape conditions giving them a recognizable quality. The concept gained prominence as winemakers and wine enthusiasts began to notice a consistent thread of these fine tannins in wines produced in the region.
The Rutherford Dust Society, founded in 1994, promotes Rutherford’s unique wines. It highlights the “Rutherford dust” concept and fosters a community of local winemakers, organizing events, tastings, and educational programs. This society preserves winemaking heritage and contributes to the reputation as a premier wine-producing area within Napa Valley. The primary goal of the society is to raise awareness about the distinct attributes of Rutherford wines, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon, and to foster a sense of community among the wine producers in the area.
Mike Morisoli with Winemaker Brooks Painter & Castello President Georg Salzner
Limited Production
At Castello di Amorosa we strive to create the highest quality Cabernet possible, we are only able to do this with the finest Grapes available. Mike Morisoli’s Rutherford vineyard fits that profile, with a long history of producing great Cabernet grapes. This single-vineyard site is a beautiful expression of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. As a proud representation of Rutherford’s unique terroir, this limited-edition 2017 Morisoli-Borges Cabernet, with its luscious notes of blueberries, blackberry jam, cassis, and graphite, stands as a true expression of Napa Valley’s winemaking prowess and is destined to age gracefully for more than two decades. The wine expresses the Rutherford appellation’s famous “dust” character, with its unique soft, silky tannins. Expected to easily age 20+ years.
Past Awards & Accolades
Explore our past awards and accolades for our Morisoli-Borges Cabernet Sauvignon.
♦ 95+ Points – Jeb Dunnuck
“The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Morisoli-Borges from the Rutherford region of the valley is a beautiful 2018 that does everything right. Lots of spiced currants, mulled plums, cedarwood, loamy earth, and dried tobacco give way to a medium to full-bodied, concentrated, spicy, complex wine that needs 3-4 years of bottle age.”
♦ 95 Points – Antonio Galloni
“The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Morisoli-Borges Vineyard offers a striking expression of Rutherford. Beautifully layered and ample, the Morisoli-Borges is a stunner right out of the gate. Inky dark fruit, chocolate, licorice, cloves, espresso and lavender all build in a resonant, super-expressive Cabernet that delivers the goods, and then some.”
♦ 93 Points – James Suckling
“Black and blue berries, mushrooms, earthy notes and chocolate as well. It is full-bodied with firm tannins and an ample, flavorful and long finish. I liked the slightly herbal undertone at the end. Try after 2023.”
♦ 97 Points – Jeb Dunnuck
“Sourced all from the famed “Rutherford-Bench” section of the valley and all Cabernet, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Morisoli-Borges Vineyard sports a saturated purple hue as well as loads of spice, crushed violets, leafy herbs, chocolate, and cedar all supported by beautiful blueberry and wild strawberry fruits. Plush and sexy on the palate, with full-bodied richness and more opulence and decadence than most in the vintage, it hits all the right spots and is a beautifully balanced, sexy 2017 to enjoy over the coming 20-25 years or more.”
♦ 93 Points – James Suckling
“Attractive aromas of fresh fruit with a ripe array of redcurrants and raspberries, as well as blackcurrant and violet notes. The palate has a sleek, juicy and fleshy feel with plenty of ripe, rich fruit and a smooth-honed, long and plush texture. Drink or hold.”
♦ 96 Points – Jeb Dunnuck
“The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Morisoli-Borges Vineyard is cut from the same cloth with its flowery blue and black fruits, complex tobacco, cedary spice, and herbal notes, medium to full body, and sweet, yet certainly present tannins. It shines for its sheer purity of fruit and balance and is another pure class release from this team. It will keep for 3 decades. Drink 2019 – 2049.”
♦ 94+ Points – Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Advocate
“Made of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the deep purple-black colored 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Morisoli-Borges gives up scents of warm blackberries, crushed red and black cherries and black currants with hints of cigar box, tilled soil and mossy bark. Full-bodied with a solid, muscular mid-palate of pure black and red fruits, it has a firm line of grainy tannins and an invigorating lift on the long finish. Drink 2019 – 2035.”
♦ 93 Points – James Suckling
“A rich and layered red with currant and blackberry character. Full body, round and caressing tannins and a flavorful finish. Pure Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink or hold.”
♦ 93 Points – Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Advocate
“The deep garnet-purple colored 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Morisoli Borges is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and offers spicy aromas of cedar chest, blackberries and blueberry compote with notes of licorice and fragrant earth. Full-bodied and concentrated in the rich, spicy mouth, it has firm, chewy tannins and finishes long and a bit oaky.”
♦ 92 Points – James Suckling
“Intense aromas of blackberries, tar, blueberries and mint, following through to a full body. Round and silky tannins and a flavorful finish. Fruit-forward but still fresh. Drink or hold.”
♦ 98 Points – Jeb Dunnuck
“The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Morisoli-Borges Vineyard comes from a site located in Rutherford, on the valley floor. It too is inky colored and offers a sensational bouquet of crème de cassis, blueberries, graphite/lead pencil shavings, tons of crushed rocks and hints of violets. Layered, gorgeously pure, concentrated and always elegant and silky, with no sense of heaviness, enjoy this blockbuster anytime over the coming 3-4 decades. (Expected Maturity: 2018–2058)”
♦ 96 Points – Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
“Coming from the valley floor, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Morisoli-Borges Vineyard hails from the tenderloin of the so-called bench area. It shows gorgeous fruit, loads of blueberry, blackberry and cassis notes, licorice and incense followed by an opulent, voluptuously textured, super-sexy style with oodles of glycerin, fruit and extract. This is a stunner and irresistible already. Moreover, it should age nicely for another 15 or more years.
♦ 91 Points – Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media
“The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Morisoli-Borges Vineyard is one of the more powerful wines in the range. It also comes across as a bit compact at this stage and in need of further cellaring, although it is likely to always remain a bit on the linear side of things.”
♦ 94 Points – Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
“The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Morisoli-Borges Vineyard, which comes from the Rutherford sector of Napa, shows beautiful blueberry and blackberry fruit, camphor and incense, a full-bodied, nicely textured mouthfeel, sweet velvety tannins and a long finish. This is a beauty, and a wine that can be drunk now or cellared for another 20 years.”
♦ 92 Points – Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast Magazine
“Compost aromas open this vineyard-designated wine, a full-bodied, densely concentrated exploration of juicy black licorice, coconut, and dust. Soft and lengthy, it develops slowly in the glass, providing a vibrant showcase for the site.”
♦ 91 Points – James Suckling
“Lots of ripe and unctuous fruit showing a light raisin and spice character. Full body, soft tannins and a juicy finish. This is ripe and smooth. Drink or hold.”
♦ 93 Points – Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media
“A big, explosive wine, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Morisoli Borges hits the palate with a rush of dark red and blue fruits, smoke, incense, violets, lavender, orange peel and spices. The firm tannins are going to need time to settle down, so readers should not be in a rush. This is without question the most complex and pedigreed of Castello di Amorosa’s Cabernet Sauvignons. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2027.”
♦ 93-95 Points – Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media (Barrel Sample)
“The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Morisoli-Borges Vineyard is flat-out stunning. Rich, opulent and full-bodied, yet backed up by an imposing sense of structure, the 2012 possesses gorgeous depth and pure power. Mocha, plums, licorice, tobacco, graphite and ash all jump from the glass in an opulent, broad-shouldered wine loaded with class and pedigree. This hugely promising Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the best wines I have tasted from Castello di Amorosa.”
♦ 90-92 Points – Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate (Barrel Sample)
“A barrel sample of the dense ruby/purple-tinged, full-bodied 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Morisoli Borges revealed lots of character as well as copious notes of blueberries, blackcurrants, black cherries, licorice, underbrush and spice. It should turn out to be an outstanding effort to enjoy during its first 10-15 years of life.”
♦ 92 Points – James Suckling
“A soft and silky red with plum, currants, and spice. Fully body and firm tannins that buttress the fruit. Delicious and fruity. Drink now.”
♦ 91 Points – Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast Magazine
“From decades’ old vines in the heart of the appellation, this wine conveys dusty milk chocolate and baked plum. It’s 100% varietal, aged almost two years in 60-gallon French oak barrels. Softly layered, and full bodied, it’s approachable now, linear in its acidity.”
♦ 91 Points – Wine & Spirits Magazine
“From a vineyard on the western benchlands of Rutherford, this is a voluminous Napa Valley cabernet with bright fruit ripeness that feels refreshing. What richness it delivers is clean and toned, focused by hints of lemon verbena and cherry skin. This should age with grace.”
♦ 90 Points – Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
“The estate’s 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Morisoli-Borges is a soft, supple wine that will drink beautifully over the next few years. Sweet black cherries, plums, herbs and licorice are some of the notes that take shape in this soft, caressing Cabernet Sauvignon. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016.”
♦ 90 Points – Antonio Galloni
“The estate’s 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Morisoli-Borges is a soft, supple wine that will drink beautifully over the next few years. Sweet black cherries, plums, herbs and licorice are some of the notes that take shape in this soft, caressing Cabernet Sauvignon. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016.”
The Story of Quattro
The Story of Quattro: Fortune & Fate From Four Vineyards
Quattro represents the harmonious result of a winemaker’s instinct, quick thinking, and a touch of serendipity. It all began on October 15 during the 2012 harvest, there remained a small quantity of grapes from 4 outstanding Napa Valley Cabernet vineyards, and it looked as though the fermentation vessels were already full. With limited tank space remaining, Winemaker Peter Velleno found himself in a jam. Recognizing the exceptional quality of the fruit, he made a bold decision – to ferment these precious remnants together in a single small tank.
When the time was right, just as the fermentation was nearing its completion, the winemakers gathered to taste the wine. In that moment, it became evident that an ideal blend had taken place. This prompted them to christen it “Quattro,” in honor of its origins from the 4 distinct vineyard sites across the Napa Valley.
Ever since that fateful day, no further blending has been done with this wine, preserving its unique and authentic character that arose from the different vineyards. Quattro remains a testament to the artistry of winemaking and the importance of nature’s elements.
The vineyards last utilized for this unique Cabernet are Gerlach Hammond, Perata, Rocca, and Villa Amorosa; vineyards typically used in the final blends of our Barone Cabernet Sauvignon and La Castellana Super Tuscan Blend. Quattro’s powerful, structured tannins are backed by hints of blackberry, cassis and leather. This bold Cabernet Sauvignon pairs perfectly with filet mignon.
Past Awards & Accolades
Explore our past awards and accolades for our Quattro, Cabernet Sauvignon.
♦ 94 Points – American Fine Wine Competition 2021- Gold Medal
“More than 550 wines from 125 wineries vied for top honors at this invitation only event. The Judging was conducted by a 28-member blue ribbon panel from across the wine industry, included educators, restaurateurs, retailers, journalists, and top sommeliers from across the country.”
♦ 93 Points – Owen Bargreen
“The outstanding, deeply-colored 2018 Castello di Amorosa ‘Quattro’ Cabernet Sauvignon spent 20 months in 65% new French oak before bottling. Ripe dark currants and huckleberries mark the nose, alongside wet gravel and graphite notes. The palate is soft and very seamless, creating a weightless effect. Drink 2022-2034.”
Oakville Collection
On Hallowed Ground
Finesse and attention to detail align to make the Oakville AVA truly special. History and mystique form the backbone of this famed growing region. A unique combination of soil, topography and climate join together here, creating an environment that makes Oakville a viticultural treasure. Wines from Oakville are pure and transparent, sculpting the essence and adding subtle nuances to express each unique site.
A History of Excellence
In the heart of Napa Valley, California lies the town of Oakville. Once a steam train stop in the late 1800s, Oakville owes its name to the dense groves of native oak which once covered the area. Today, the Oakville name is synonymous with excellence in winemaking. H. W. Crabb planted the first vineyard here in 1868, 240 acres of land close to the Napa River that he named To Kalon. By 1877, Crabb was producing 50,000 gallons of wine per year.
In 1903, the United States Department of Agriculture established an experimental vineyard station in Oakville. Known as “Oakville Station”, the vineyard has been operated by the University of California at Davis for more than 50 years. The department has conducted critical viticulture research here, including trials of clones, rootstocks, vine spacing, pruning levels, irrigation and more.
The Oakville AVA is 5,700 acres in total and one of the largest vineyard areas in Napa Valley with 5,000 of those acres planted. Oakville’s soils are primarily gravelly and sandy, but a small portion is a mix of clay and sandy loam. It wasn’t until 1993 that the Oakville AVA was officially declared a sub-appellation of Napa Valley.
Oakville AVA: Cult Status
Oakville AVA’s status as a world-class grape-growing region is solidified in part because of the number of great Napa Valley wineries that call the region home. Known for its pricey cult wines, the excellent publicity of Oakville’s wines can partly be attributed to the unique quality of its soils and climate. This collection of family-owned vineyards is often tended to by meticulous growers.
Producers here focus on cultivating limited parcels of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot and smaller parcels of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay. Bordeaux-style blends are especially popular here and some critics even compare these wines to some of the finest Old-World Bordeaux labels. Critics claim these Oakville wines strike a perfect balance between lively acidity and sweet fruit. Unlike many other bold red wines produced in the Napa Valley, which tend to taste quite jammy and fruit-forward, Oakville wines are thought to be more complex and earthy. These age-worthy Cabernet routinely exhibit aromas that range from boysenberry, ripe blackberry, and blueberries, with hints of spice, tobacco leaf, and leather. When it comes to growing Cabernet Sauvignon, the region is just right. This helps the Oakville to perfectly express the essential qualities of Cabernet Sauvignon in deep, complex wines that last for decades.
Old World Heart & New World Style
During the growing season, temperatures in the low-to-mid 90s are common. Nights cool down dramatically, preserving acidity in the grapes. Cool marine fog can linger until late morning, chilling the fruit and protecting it from the morning sun.
Annual rainfall is about the same as Bordeaux, around 35 inches per year. In contrast to Bordeaux, Oakville gets most of the rain in winter. The climate and soils of Oakville allow Cabernet Sauvignon to reach perfect ripeness every year. Known for its bedrock soil, the result of sedimentary deposits from the hills that form Napa Valley. The soil is gravelly, with exceptionally good drainage. Wind and fog arriving from San Pablo Bay affect the morning and evening hours, but their effects are limited by the intervening Yountville Mountains. The western edge features the famous gravelly alluvial fans that include Martha’s Vineyard and to Kalon.
Oakville’s soils can vary considerably. In the east hills the soils are made up of rust red, volcanic rock and iron, mixed into the gravel and loam. A smaller portion of the AVA is a mix of clay and well-drained sandy loam.
Oakville AVA Comes To The Castle
We are pleased to announce the two newest additions to the Castle family. Our 2018 Oakville, Cabernet Sauvignon & our 2018 Oakville, Red Blend both produced in the world-famous growing region.
2018 OAKVILLE
Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley
This limited production Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the fabled growing region of Oakville. Located in central Napa Valley, Oakville has been noted for its ability to produce award winning cult wines. The wine exhibits hints of opulent dark cherries, blackberry, spice box and espresso bean. Backed by silky tannins and a great mouthfeel. Give the wine time to develop and you will be rewarded with additional layers of complexity.
2018 OAKVILLE
Red Blend
Napa Valley
This Bordeaux style blend is open and approachable with soft textures. Layers of dark red fruits, licorice, black currant, anise and vanilla are present in the blend. This limited production wine hails from the Oakville AVA, one of the most respected growing regions in the world.
Highest Rated Wines
Highest Rated Wines Ever: Napa Valley
Over 15 years in the Napa Valley, we have received a bevy of high scores from highly acclaimed writers and reviewers. Here are the 10 highest scoring wines in Castle history. While our Cabernet Sauvignon dominates the top spots, we included a few sweet & white wines in this top 10. Each wine is a tremendous representation of not only the outstanding vintage year, but also each unique vineyard. It is a haunted game in which each vintage is measured against the ghosts that have gone before it.
These highly collectable wines have tremendous aging potential, you can explore more of our wine accolades here or you can shop top scoring wines here. A big thank you to the reviewers and staff of Wine Enthusiast Magazine, Wine Spectator Magazine, James Suckling, Vinous Media, Wine Review Online & Jeb Dunnuck.
1) 2014 Morisoli-Borges, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley – 98 Points
Sustainably farmed by the 4th generation, much of the vineyard was planted to Cabernet Sauvignon in the late 1980s with a smaller area redeveloped in 2006. This wine comes from a blend of these “old” and “young” blocks, and it expresses the Rutherford appellation’s famous “dust” character, with its unique soft, silky tannins. A truly outstanding vintage year for the Rutherford bench.
98 Points – Jeb Dunnuck
“The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Morisoli-Borges Vineyard comes from a site located in Rutherford, on the valley floor. It too is inky colored and offers a sensational bouquet of crème de cassis, blueberries, graphite/lead pencil shavings, tons of crushed rocks and hints of violets. Layered, gorgeously pure, concentrated and always elegant and silky, with no sense of heaviness, enjoy this blockbuster anytime over the coming 3-4 decades. (Expected Maturity: 2018–2058)”
Tasting Notes: Crème de cassis, blueberries are complemented by pencil shaving and hints of violets.
Vintage Notes: The 2014 Napa Valley wine grape harvest was a year of exceptional quality. The winter was one of the driest on record in Napa Valley, with approximately half of the normal rainfall. However, rains in late February and early March provided water to the vines just as they were beginning bud break. The spring was warm and berry sizes were smaller and with more concentrated flavors, and the overal quality, depth of flavor, and excellent balance and maturity in the grapes bodes well for the vintage. – Brooks Painter, Director of Winemaking
2) 2016 Melanson, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley – 97 Points
This 10.5 acre vineyard sit in peaceful isolation on a boulder-strewn hillside with remarkable views of Lake Hennessey and the Valley floor below. Embracing the rugged terroir, they are committed to working with the assets Mother Nature has given them: rich Sobrante Loam soils loaded with volcanic rock, elevations averaging 1,200 feet and distinct southern and western exposures. The gift of elevation places the vineyards above the fog line and allows them to receive maximum sun exposure throughout the day providing even ripening. The resulting fruit shows a higher skin to fruit ratio, than its land bound counterparts.
97 Points – The Wine Advocate
“Made of 100% Cabernet Sauvingon, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Melanson Vineyard has a deep purple-black color and stunning perfume of candied violets, chocolate-covered cherries, potpourri and menthol over a warm cassis and crushed black plums core plus a waft of garrigue. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is built like a brick house, with a firm, grainy texture and tons of freshness lifting the densely packed fruit to a good long finish. Drink 2020 – 2038.”
Tasting Notes: Highlighted by flavors of dark cherry, cassis, and plums complemented by chocolate.
Vintage Notes: Following the very small 2015 harvest, it was heartening to see the vines recover and bounce back to produce not only extremely high quality fruit but also some bounty in 2016! Harvest was earlier than expected, and we observed optimum flavor and phenolic development progress as we harvested. Across the board, acids are firm and pH is slightly lower, so the wines should be well-structured with very good aging potential. This is an exciting vintage with a lot to like! – Brooks Painter, Director of Winemaking
3) 2018 Sinalunga, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley – 97 Points
Dario Sattui’s love for the Sinalunga area prompted him to explore its back roads, medieval structures and outlying villages. Without this intense passion for the monastery and the Sinalunga area, it is likely the Castle would never have been built. Thirty years later, this same passion has inspired us to craft an exceptional wine, in very limited quantities, to be honored with the name Sinalunga. This Cabernet epitomizes the love, passion, quality, dedication, and attention to detail that went into the making of Castello di Amorosa.
97 Points – Jeb Dunnuck
“Lots of cassis, graphite, lead pencil, and scorched earth notes emerge from the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Sinalunga, another powerful, concentrated 2018 from Castello di Amorosa. One of the more structured, tannic wines in the lineup, it has full-bodied richness, a wonderfully pure, layered texture, and terrific balance. Bottles need a good 4-6 years of bottle age, but it should evolve for 30 years or more.”
Tasting Notes: Plush aromas of cassis, dark cherry, and pomegranate complemented by graphite and led pencil.
Vintage Notes: Winter provided a record-breaking rainfall – a welcome end to the 4-years of drought. Bloom and fruit set in May occurred under ideal conditions. Summer was warm but the vines weathered the heat well and maturity moved along at a steady pace. A short but intense heat wave during the first part of September brought brix levels up dramatically and winemakers waited for the pH, acids, flavor and color development in the grapes to catch up to sugar accumulation. The 2018 wine quality shows a lot of bright acidity and fresh varietal aromas in the white wines, and deep color, sweet fruit flavors. Looking like it will be another classic year! – Brooks Painter, Director of Winemaking
4) 2016 Don Thomas, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley – 96 Points
This 6 acre vineyard, planted exclusively to Cabernet Sauvignon, is nestled in the rolling hills that define the western border of the Rutherford AVA in Napa Valley. Located at the valley’s widest point, Rutherford receives more sunlight during the day than other parts of the valley. This, combined with a wide variance of daytime to nighttime temperatures (average fluctuation of 12 degrees in the summer months) allows the fruit to ripen at a steady pace, and helps to make the Rutherford AVA the most famous of Napa Valley’s nested appellations for growing Cabernet Sauvignon. Our Don Thomas is among our most rare releases, in fact we have never released it online.
96 Points – The Wine Advocate
“Composed of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Don Thomas Vineyard is deep purple-black in color and features vibrant notes of crushed wild blueberries, black raspberries and red and black currants with wafts of rose hips, raspberry leaves, unsmoked cigars and pencil shavings. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is tautly structured with ripe, grainy tannins and beautiful freshness framing the red and black fruit layers, finishing long and mineral laced. Drink 2020 – 2039.”
Tasting Notes: Hints of crushed blueberries, black raspberry, and pomegranate complemented by rose and cigars.
Vintage Notes: Harvest was earlier than expected, and we observed optimum flavor and phenolic development progress as we harvested. Across the board, acids are firm and pH is slightly lower, so the wines should be well-structured with very good aging potential. This is an exciting vintage with a lot to like! – Brooks Painter, Director of Winemaking
5) 2017 Il Barone, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley – 96 Points
Our highest scoring Il Barone that has been released. Our pride and joy is sourced from the top vineyards in Napa Valley. Highlighted by powerful structured tannins. An exceptional Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with excellent long-term aging potential. This reserve Cabernet Sauvignon routinely scores 93+ Points, and has shown a great consistency from year to year.
96 Points – Jeb Dunnuck
“The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Il Barone (there’s 5% Merlot in the blend) is a selection geared to be a rich, powerful wine and it succeeds admirably, offering full-bodied richness and depth, awesome tannin quality, no hard edges, and a complex notes of black and blue fruits, Asian spices, chocolate, and earthy, forest floor nuances. It’s another brilliant wine in this lineup.”
Tasting Notes: Hints of dark cherry, cassis, and pomegranate highlighted by asian spices and chocolate.
Vintage Notes: Winter provided a record-breaking rainfall – a welcome end to the 4-years of drought. Bloom and fruit set in May occurred under ideal conditions. Summer was warm but the vines weathered the heat well and maturity moved along at a steady pace. A short but intense heat wave during the first part of September brought brix levels up dramatically and winemakers waited for the pH, acids, flavor and color development in the grapes to catch up to sugar accumulation. The 2017 wine quality shows a lot of bright acidity and fresh varietal aromas in the white wines, and deep color, sweet fruit flavors. Looking like it will be another classic year! – Brooks Painter, Director of Winemaking
6) 2019 Late Harvest Gewürztraminer, Anderson Valley – 95 Points
Our highest scoring sweet wine ever is a succulent and deliciously sweet white wine loaded with aroma and flavor, made in a “Noble Rot” dessert, or very sweet, style. Typically harvested at nearly 32 Brix or more with residual sugar levels close to 13%, this succulent dessert wine is a perennial favorite. A regal dessert wine made from overripe grapes which develop Botrytis cincerea, or “Noble Rot”, shriveling the skins and enhancing sugar, acid and flavor intensity. The resulting harvest in late autumn is vastly diminished in yield, resulting in more concentration and flavor. Made in the style of some of the world’s greatest dessert wines, such as Sauternes and the “dried grape” white wines of Sicily such as “Passito di Pantelleria”. Ideal with after dinner desserts of chocolate torte, crème brulee or baked fruit with an artisanal cheese selection.
95 Points – Wine Enthusiast, Cellar Selection
“Dripping with honey, apricot and poached pear flavors, this luscious and extremely sweet wine coats the palate and lingers for minutes on the finish. It’s a delicious, low-alcohol indulgence that is made from late-harvest grapes shriveled on the vine. Best through 2030. Cellar Selection”
Tasting Notes: Deep straw in color, the wine displays hints of honey, apricot and pear.
Vintage Notes: Bloom and fruit set in May occurred under ideal conditions. Summer was warm but the vines weathered the heat well and maturity moved along at a steady pace. A short but intense heat wave during the first part of September brought brix levels up dramatically and winemakers waited for the pH, acids, flavor and color development in the grapes to catch up to sugar accumulation. – Brooks Painter, Director of Winemaking
7) 2016 Il Barone, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley – 95 Points
Another great hit in our long line of Il Barone vintages. A blend of the Castello’s top high-end Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards from the best growing regions of Napa Valley. The majority of the fruit in this vintage came from the Rutherford AVA, a region famed for producing beautifully structured and complex Cabernet Sauvignon.
95 Points – Wine Advocate
“A blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon with small splashes of Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Il Barone is deep purple-black in color and has quite an earthy/savory nose to begin, revealing notions of black truffles, char-grilled meats, black olives and cumin seed over a core of crème de cassis and stewed plums. Full-bodied, concentrated, and packed with black fruit and savory layers, it has a rock-solid, grainy frame and just enough freshness to lift the long finish. Drink 2020 – 2037.”
Tasting Notes: Plush aromas of dark cherry, black raspberry, and pomegranate complemented by bittersweet chocolate and nutmeg.
Vintage Notes: From the outstanding vintage year of 2016. Following the very small 2015 harvest, it was heartening to see the vines recover and bounce back to produce not only extremely high quality fruit but also some bounty in 2016! Harvest was earlier than expected, and we observed optimum flavor and phenolic development progress as we harvested. Across the board, acids are firm and pH is slightly lower, so the wines should be well-structured with very good aging potential. This is an exciting vintage with a lot to like! – Brooks Painter, Director of Winemaking
8) 2016 Rapp Ranch, Napa Valley – 95 Points
Our initial vintage of Rapp Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon from the Coombsville AVA in Napa Valley. The wine is inky purple in color, with an imposing structure that frames a mouthful of savory spices, blackberries, and wild herbs. Located in the heart of the Coombsville AVA, Rapp Ranch has long been established as a premier horse ranch in the rural countryside of southern Napa Valley. The defining characteristics of Coombsville, are the long, cool growing seasons that reward patient winemakers with intensely concentrated and complex wines.
95 Points, James Suckling
“A very deep and intense wine with a gorgeous core of ripe fruit and velvety tannins and a beautiful finish. Full-bodied and flavorful. Energetic finish. Reserved. Better in 2020.”
Tasting Notes: Savory spices, blackberries, and wild herbs.
Vintage Notes: From the outstanding vintage year of 2016. Following the very small 2015 harvest, it was heartening to see the vines recover and bounce back to produce not only extremely high quality fruit but also some bounty in 2016! Harvest was earlier than expected, and we observed optimum flavor and phenolic development progress as we harvested. Across the board, acids are firm and pH is slightly lower, so the wines should be well-structured with very good aging potential. This is an exciting vintage with a lot to like! – Brooks Painter, Director of Winemaking
9) 2010 Il Passito, Late Harvest, Napa Valley – 94 Points
This rare sauterne style wine was grown in the Yountville AVA of Napa Valley. 2010 marked one of the best vintages for late harvest varietals. A delicate and light honey sweet dessert wine, made in the fine sauterne style. At the time of scoring, it was the highest scoring sweet wine in Castle history.
94 Points, Editor’s Choice, Wine Enthusiast Magazine
“Made from Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc, this wine is luxurious and sweet, while maintaining great balance to keep from being too unctuous. It has a brilliant deep-gold color, generous aromas like toasted peanuts and marmalade, and flavors that are honeyed and floral. It feels nicely viscous, coating the sides of the mouth and helping the flavors linger for long moments on the finish.”
Tasting Notes: The wine displays bright aromas of honey, vanilla bean, and citrus zest with rich butterscotch-caramel undertones.
Vintage Notes: The 2010 growing season in Napa Valley began cool and wet. Higher acidities and fresh fruit tones, a consequence of the unusually cool season, make the vintage especially compelling. It was ideal conditions for late harvest wines.
10) 2017 Morning Dew Ranch, Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley – 94 Points
Named a top 5 Pinot Noir vineyard by Wine Enthusiast Magazine. This Castello Estate vineyard was purchased in 2015. The 12 acre vineyard, located just west of the town of Philo in Anderson Valley, is in a very cool microclimate and divided into 9 blocks of Pinot Noir planted with DRC, 115, 777, Rochioli, 23, and 828 clones. Located in a very cool microclimate in the steep hillsides overlooking Anderson Valley. It will be sustainably farmed by our Vineyard Team and Manager, David Bejar.
94 Points, Editor’s Choice Jim Gordon, Wine Enthusiast Magazine
“Tempting fruit flavors run deep and long in this full-bodied, focused and concentrated wine made from a vineyard established by Burt Williams of Williams Selyem. Black cherry and rhubarb ring clear as a bell while subtle clove, ginger and cinnamon add complexity. A mouth-filling texture and lingering finish complete the picture.”
Tasting Notes: Rhubarb, black cherry, and clove are complemented by a touch of cinnamon.
Vintage Notes: Winter provided a record-breaking rainfall – a welcome end to the 4-years of drought. Bloom and fruit set in May occurred under ideal conditions. Summer was warm but the vines weathered the heat well and maturity moved along at a steady pace. A short but intense heat wave during the first part of September brought brix levels up dramatically and winemakers waited for the pH, acids, flavor and color development in the grapes to catch up to sugar accumulation. The 2017 wine quality shows a lot of bright acidity and fresh varietal aromas in the white wines, and deep color, sweet fruit flavors. Looking like it will be another classic year! – Brooks Painter, Director of Winemaking
Bonus: 2019 Barbera, Sierra Foothills – 93 Points
Barbera is the third most planted red grape in Italy, where winemakers have relied on it since the 13th century to produce robust wines that age beautifully. Very popular among our red varietals, this wine has been known to sell out fast.
93 Points, Editor’s Choice – Wine Enthusiast Magazine
“Review Coming Soon.”
Tasting Notes: Blueberry, and pomegranate are complemented by hints of toasted sage.
Vintage Notes: Bloom and fruit set in May occurred under ideal conditions. Summer was warm but the vines weathered the heat well and maturity moved along at a steady pace. A short but intense heat wave during the first part of September brought brix levels up dramatically and winemakers waited for the pH, acids, flavor and color development in the grapes to catch up to sugar accumulation. – Brooks Painter, Director of Winemaking
Bonus: 2017 Chardonnay Reserve, Napa Valley – Contest Winner
Our reserve Chardonnay is made from the best vineyards in the southern end of Napa Valley. Several of our past Reserve Chardonnay vintages have scored 90+ points. This 2017 vintage may have been the best, taking home the SF Chronicle title for white wine.
Winner SF Chronicle Competition & 93 Points, Editor’s Choice – Wine Enthusiast Magazine
Our 2017 Reserve Chardonnay was named the White Sweepstakes Winner in the 2019 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, which is the largest competition of wines from across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Over 64 professional wine judges evaluated over 6,800 wines from 1,132 wineries. Bob Fraser, Executive Director of the competition, elaborated on this achievement, stating “along with the Red Sweepstakes, the White Sweepstakes is very difficult to attain for a winery because it is competing against over 2,500 other outstanding white wines from a multitude of viticultural areas in North America.
Tasting Notes: Lush notes of baked apple, ripe pear, fall spices, and toasted almond.
Vintage Notes: Winter provided a record-breaking rainfall – a welcome end to the 4-years of drought. Bloom and fruit set in May occurred under ideal conditions. Summer was warm but the vines weathered the heat well and maturity moved along at a steady pace. A short but intense heat wave during the first part of September brought brix levels up dramatically and winemakers waited for the pH, acids, flavor and color development in the grapes to catch up to sugar accumulation. The 2017 wine quality shows a lot of bright acidity and fresh varietal aromas in the white wines, and deep color, sweet fruit flavors. Looking like it will be another classic year! – Brooks Painter, Director of Winemaking
Reserve Wines
Reserve Wines
Have you ever seen the word Reserve or even the term, Napa Valley Reserve on a bottle of wine? The bottle might even display such phrases as, Private Reserve, Special Reserve or Proprietor’s Reserve. In some wine growing regions of the world, like Italy and Spain, for example, where the Italian Reserva and the Spanish Reserva are legally defined and indicate wines are aged longer (could be a combination of oak barrels and bottle) than regular bottlings. In all cases, reserve wines of this distinction are highly sought after and are largely considered collector wines.
While there is no legal definition of a reserve wine in the U.S., generally reserve wine bottlings usually consist of wines considered by the winemaker to be of greater quality that can age gracefully, many years longer than a regular bottling of the same variety. Usually selected from special wine barrel lots that merit additional aging and, in some cases, complete vineyards or select rows of the vineyard will be designated for the winery’s reserve program. It is common for select vineyards to have certain areas where the growing conditions are slightly better than other sections. This could be due to the slope of vineyard in that section which allows for better sunlight on the vines or creates better soil drainage.
Additionally, in vineyards near hillsides, it is common for alluvial soil to accumulate in sections of the vineyard. Alluvial soil is a rich, nutrient-dense composition of gravel, clay and silt that improves the richness in the soil and supports healthy vines and their complex and deep root structure. These types of soils contribute greatly to the diversity of wines produced from vineyards with alluvial soils and results in Napa Valley wines with a softness and elegance.
In the Napa Valley, a region home to many collectable wines, reserve bottlings consist of wines that are considered by many winemakers to be finer and have greater aging potential than their regular bottling of the same collectable napa wines. The most common wine that garners the distinction of being called a top collectable wine is Cabernet Sauvignon or Cabernet Reserve as it’s coined by many wine connoisseurs.
At Castello di Amorosa, winemakers Brooks Painter and Peter Velleno have crafted a complete line up of Napa Valley Reserve wines in their Napa in Reserve portfolio. Our portfolio also includes fine wine selections from the Anderson Valley, the Green Valley of the Russian River Valley and Mendocino AVA- some of the top AVA’s in California wine country.
Click here to see our full collection of reserve wines.
Rapp Ranch
Run Wild with Our Single Vineyard Cabernet
Rapp Ranch is our single vineyard Cabernet from the Coombsville AVA. The wine is inky purple in color, with an imposing structure that frames a mouthful of savory spices, blackberries, and wild herbs. The tannins are silky and smooth, leading to a remarkable impression of black fruits and lingering flavors on the palate. The wine is expected to age nicely and cellar from 15-25 years.
Located in the heart of the Coombsville AVA, Rapp Ranch has long been established as a premier horse ranch in the rural countryside of southern Napa Valley. The Coombsville AVA is one of the fastest growing Cabernet Sauvignon producers in Napa Valley. Having received its AVA designation in 2011, Coombsville is set to be Napa Valley’s next great Cabernet Sauvignon appellation. The defining characteristics of Coombsville, are the long, cool growing seasons that reward patient winemakers with intensely concentrated and complex wines.
Located just east of the city of Napa, the appellation varies from sea level all the way up to 1,900 feet on the Vaca Mountain Range. The cooling effects of the nearby San Pablo bay provide daily fog, which causes more constant temperatures. This allows us to have a long, slow ripening period as our vines bud early and our grapes are typically among the last to be harvested. Coombsville itself is a bowl-shaped depression, cradled by a crescent-shaped section of the Vacas Mountain Range.
Rapp Ranch in The Coombsville AVA
Long established as a premier horse ranch in the rural countryside of southern Napa Valley. The history of Rapp Ranch is rich in horses. Originally known as the premier breeding & training grounds for quarter horses in the Napa Valley, became world renown throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Utilizing a variety of barns, riding arenas and outdoor spaces, Rapp Ranch produced some of the top award winning international competitors. Continuing on to present day, the name Rapp Ranch has became synonymous with outstanding quality.
The property eventually sold to a businessman who removed some of the horse facilities and planted 12 of the 25 acres of ultra premium Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. When the opportunity presented itself, the Alkossers purchased the property in February 2016. Thoroughly enchanted by the beauty and significance of this place, they saw the potential in combining the history of the horse ranch, the premium vineyards and the state-of- the-art winery into the ultimate destination for wine connoisseurs and adventuring travelers.
When the opportunity presented itself, we were thrilled about partnering long-term with Rapp Ranch. Our winemakers Brooks Painter & Peter Velleno are proud to carry on the tradition of ultra premium Cabernet Sauvignon. We look forward to producing incredible vintages of Rapp Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon for years to come.
Past Awards & Accolades
Explore our past awards and accolades for our Rapp Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon.
♦ 93 Points – James Suckling
“Amorosa’s Rapp Ranch cabernet bottling has a very suave, cedary nose with regal, dark-berry aromas, typical of cabernet, as well as hints of fresh leather. The palate is so succulent and juicy with very fresh and attractively detailed tannins carrying good length. Fresh finish. Drink or hold.”
♦ 95 Points – James Suckling
“A very deep and intense wine with a gorgeous core of ripe fruit and velvety tannins and a beautiful finish. Full-bodied and flavorful. Energetic finish. Reserved. Better in 2020.”
♦ 93+ Points – Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Advocate
“Deep purple-black in color, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Rapp Ranch displays subtle black raspberries, black and red cherries and black currants with hints of wild thyme, damp soil and tree bark. Medium to full-bodied, firmly textured with plenty of youthful, crunchy fruit, it has a pleasantly chewy finish.”