Ray Coursen was the founding winemaker and owner of Elyse Winery. Ray spent his early years at Whitehall Lane in Rutherford and it was here that he discovered the old vine vineyards of Morisoli. These vines had originally been planted between 1902-1908 while the first commercial release of Morisoli Zinfandel occurred in 1987. Josh Peeples acquired Elyse from Ray Coursen in 2018, continuing the legacy of Morisoli. He also co-founded a wine collective named 2100 Hoffman Lane. The Morisoli Zinfandel and Morisoli Cabernet Sauvignon are released in each vintage.

This 100% Zinfandel is sourced from the Morisoli Vineyard at the base of Mt. Saint John on the Rutherford Bench in Napa Valley. It is aged for 11 months in 60% new French Oak barrels. The Morisoli Zinfandels always have a sensuous, opulent personality and this wine is no exception. Nearly black and opaque in color, the wine flaunts a bouquet of exotic Indian spices and volcanic earth. The inner core is brimming with macerated blackberries, boysenberries, grilled meats and a dusting of cinnamon. There is a creamy texture that leads you through layers of complex undertones and spice into a creamy and memorable finish. This wine is destined for a glorious future, but why wait?

This vintage is one of the most expressive Morisoli Zinfandels that I have tasted in over two decades. It remains one of my top-rated Zinfandels from any site in California and can be secured through the winery or at sommsation.com.

By W Peter Hoyne