Description
Our vineyard’s soils and altitude offer a complexity of layered dark fruit and bountifularomatics. The aromatics of tart boysenberry, fine cassis, warm winter spice andcigar box perfume the glass. The layered body of the wine mirrors the aromatics andprovides a pleasant freshness of acidity allowing for the richness of the cabernet tobalance providing complexity and profound depth of character to the wine.
Seeking vineyards that would form the foundation of his family estate, Michael Mondavi zeroed-in on a particularly rugged, Manzanita-dotted parcel high on Atlas Peak in the Vaca Mountain range of southeastern Napa Valley. As Michael surveyed the site with his family, his daughter Dina remarked, “Dad, this place has animo.”
Animo is an Italian word for heart or spirit. In the family’s experience, some vineyards have it, and some don’t – a pervading spirit that presents the opportunity of producing something that is truly exceptional. The Cabernet Sauvignon vines at Animo are of the Clone 4 variety planted on 110R rootstock, producing structured fruit with ample tannins and acid to balance the concentrated dark fruit flavors.
Fewer than 1000 cases of this wine were produced from the Animo vineyard, located high atop Atlas Peak overlooking the Foss Valley, just 9 miles from Napa, Calif. The rocky, iron-streaked volcanic soil, indirect sun exposure, and variations in elevation of this vineyard help produce small, concentrated grapes with expressive character.
James Suckling
- js95
Aromas of blackberries, walnuts and light chocolate. Full-bodied, tight and beautiful. Fine and polished tannins. Fabulous length and beauty. Impressive fruit but there’s tension and firmness. Better in 2021, but already enticing to taste.
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