2022 Annulus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

This wine carries a wonderful Left Bank character, with elegant red berry fruit and rich volcanic crushed stone minerality, accented by bay laurel and sage. These elements find their footing on the medium-to full-bodied palate, where velvety-textured tannins frame layers of mocha, more bay laurel, and white pepper, adding nuance and depth. The finish is long and refined, leaving lingering notes of earth and conifer. Husband and wife Luke Evnin and Deann Wright own Annulus Cellars, with Nigel Kinsman introduced to them through Bart Araujo. Their wines are made at Wheeler Farms in Rutherford, sourcing fruit from some of Napa’s top vineyard sites. This bottling comes from Bench in the Stags Leap District, a site on Diamond Mountain, and includes some fruit from Vine Hill Ranch Vineyard. A splash of Petit Verdot from Bench, co-fermented with Cabernet Sauvignon from the same site, adds further structure and complexity. (JC)