Annulus, Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, California, 2022

Overview of the Wine
We’ve been fortunate to call the Napa Valley home for more than two decades. Living in this beautiful place, we have forged cherished friendships and close partnerships with world-renowned vintners, growers, and winemakers and honed our love of fine wines. After years of dreaming and planning, together with our daughters Alexandra and Elena, we are delighted to present Annulus and our own interpretation of the wines and Napa Valley vineyards we love.

The spirit and passion we bring to Annulus is also reflected in our decades-long dedication to unraveling the mysteries of a rare, life-threatening autoimmune disease called scleroderma.  

As Board Members of the Scleroderma Research Foundation (SRF) and Directors of the research program, we have spent many years building a pioneering research portfolio and an innovative global clinical trial platform designed to advance new therapies for scleroderma.

Each year, as a part of our fundraising efforts, we join forces with a star-studded group of comedians, actors, musicians and chefs for the cause at the SRF’s signature event, “Cool Comedy • Hot Cuisine.”

In 2021, an early bud break, a long hang time, low yields, and a smaller leaf canopy yielded intense, concentrated fruit at Vine Hill Ranch. 

Winemaker
Nigel Kinsman

Grape / Blend
61% Sauvignon Blanc, 24% Semillon, 15% Sauvignon Musqué

Origin
Napa Valley, California

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
The 2022 growing season began with dry conditions that promoted early bud break.  Moderate heat in the first half of the summer supported even ripening. The site’s southern exposure ensured full ripening while fastidious organic and biodynamic farming, led by Steve Matthiasson, preserved soil moisture. Morning fog and cool afternoon breezes sealed fresh acidity into the fruit.

This Bordeaux-style blend of 61% Sauvignon Blanc, 24% Sémillon, and 15% Sauvignon Musqué (an aromatic clone of Sauvignon Blanc) is sourced entirely from Rancho Pequeño Vineyard, a 10-acre parcel on the eastern bench of the Oakville appellation. Floral aromatics include honeyed acacia and chamomile, white pepper, and fennel seed. The palate offers up Asian pear, lemon confit, and lychee. Hints of oyster shell and a firm phenolic backbone give this wine excellent persistence and a mouthwatering finish.

93 Points - The Wine Palate
The 2022 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc is composed of 76% Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Musque Clone, plus 24% Semillon. It zips out of the glass with intense notes of green apples, mown grass, and lime leaves, leading to hints of crushed rocks and yuzu zest. The medium-bodied palate is refreshing and understated with savory nuances and a chalky finish.

Product size: 750ml