Animo
"This vineyard has always been a special place. Even before the vines were planted, I saw the way my dad looked at the land and I knew amazing wines would be made here some day." ~Dina
The Animo Vineyard in the Foss Valley subzone of the Atlas Peak AVA is situated in the southeastern quadrant of Napa Valley. The 15-acre vineyard rises from an elevation of 1,270 to 1,350 feet and features rolling hills and varied exposures. Atlas Peak's stony, volcanic terroir supplies structured Cabernet Sauvignon from a temperate, high elevation zone of Napa Valley that soars above the fog that regularly blankets the southern reaches of the valley. The Animo Vineyard provides fruit for the Animo Cabernet Sauvignon.
Under the same label is the Animo Heritage Sauvignon Blanc. In 2006, Michael Mondavi Family Estate acquired Sauvignon Blanc vine cuttings from Oakville’s To Kalon Vineyard, which is thought to be the oldest surviving Sauvignon Blanc material in North America. When the new vineyard was planted, Michael Mondavi Family Estate selected the same rootstock and trellising used in the 19th century to further preserve the historical method of grape growing and the remarkable living history of the plant genetics.