2016 | Michael Mondavi Family | Animo Cabernet Sauvignon

Aromas of cocoa nibs, turmeric, suede and broken mixed berries perfume the wine, while notes of fresh, red currant and blackberry nuances combine for a bright acidity that is followed by a rounded texture and nicely structured yet plush tannins.

Reviews:

• Wine Advocate: The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Animo is deep garnet-purple colored and opens with a waft of cedar chest, giving way to notes of baked blackberries, crème de cassis, espresso and dried herbs. Medium to full-bodied, it has taut, muscular fruit and a firm, rugged frame, finishing a little firm.

• James Suckling: Although this is a dense and ripe Napa cabernet, there are hints of fresh herbs and blood oranges that lift the ripe blackberry, plum and citrus aromas. On the palate, the bitter-chocolate character is more discreet than in many modern-style wines and nicely sets off the generous fruit and supple tannins. The long, fresh finish is supported by restrained tannins.

Producer Information

Michael Mondavi Family is situated in the Napa Valley, California. Grandson to Cesare Mondavi and son to Robert Mondavi, Michael comes from a long line of legendary Californian winemakers. In 2006, he founded the Michael Mondavi Family estate and today it produces wines under four labels: Isabel Mondavi Wines, Emblem, Animo and M by Michael Mondavi. The Mondavi family had purchased Animo Vineyard in 1999, a vineyard perched high above the Napa Valley on the slopes of Atlas Peak. Amino Vineyard is planted to 15 acres (6 hectares) of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot vines that sit atop rocky, iron-rich volcanic soils at elevations spanning from 1200 to 1300 feet (366 to 396 meters). The Heritage Block vineyard is 1.25 acres (0.5 ha) of Sauvignon Blanc that joined the company holdings in 2006. Located within the Atlas Peak AVA, it is planted with vine cuttings from the infamous To Kalon vineyard in Oakville. Oso Vineyard is the Michael Mondavi Family estate vineyard, which is situated in Napa Valley between the Sugarloaf and Howell mountains. Here, Cabernet Sauvignon vines are planted at an elevation of 1250ft (381m) on stone terraced-slopes made up of rocky, well-drained soils. Californian black bears enjoy feeding on the ripening Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and were the inspiration behind the vineyard's name – oso is the Spanish word for bear. M by Michael Mondavi is the estate's flagship wine and is a single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon wine made from grapes hand-harvested in the Animo Vineyard. After fermentation, the wine ages in French oak barrels for approximately 22 months depending on the vintage with only the very best barrels are selected for the final wine blend. Three wines make up the Isabel Mondavi collection: Deep Rosé Cabernet Sauvignon, Carneros Chardonnay and Carneros Pinot Noir. The estate also produces eight wines under the Emblem brand, including multi- and single-vineyard expressions of Cabernet Sauvignon from Oso Vineyard and the Napa Valley. The Mondavi family also established the Folio Fine Wine Partners wine importing company in 2004.

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