Kinsman Eades Aisana Rancho Pequeno Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc Oakville 2022

If you've met Nigel and Shae Kinsman, you have witnessed and experienced their natural ability to make you feel welcome in their lives, as if a kindred spirit resides within them, opening the door to share in their accomplishments, talents, fastidious practices, and friendship. Sipping a glass of Nigel and Shae's exquisitely crafted wine transcends the average wine-tasting experience, seemingly connecting us with their energy and ethos and granting a sense of contentment. We have delightfully watched over the years as their individual and shared wine journeys led them to where they are now.

Some of you may know Nigel Kinsman from his winemaking days at Krupp Brothers or Araujo Estate. Today he is at the helm of Accendo Cellars & J.H. Wheeler, Bart & Daphne Araujo's new ventures, and Impensata. Perhaps you have become acquainted with his darling wife Shae as well? We came to know her when she was the General Manager at Abreu Vineyards, offering us our annual, immensely sought-after allocation. Together they are a truly lovely couple with roots that reach far beyond the Napa Valley, and with skills that embrace lessons from different continents. In 2016 they thoughtfully and faithfully launched two wines under their label Kinsman Eades. Nigel describes the ethos of their wines as "site-driven, singular expressions of origin and history. Our winemaking is attentive, but never heavy-handed. We aren't chasing perfection; we are chasing character." It is about the year-long growing process and letting "the fruit lead the way, resisting the urge to polish away the most interesting edges.”

Introducing Kinsman Eades first-ever white wine release, Aisana Sauvignon Blanc.  A blend of 75% Sauvignon Blanc with 25% Semillon sourced from Bart and Daphne Araujo's estate vineyard and aged in new and seasoned barriques for eight months. This is divine white wine. "The 2022 Aisana is racy without being austere. Luminous, no doubt. Bright aromatics of Kaffir lime and white peony tea are grounded by rich lemon curd and white nectarine. The palate leads with creamy Tosca pear, stone fruit, lemon oil, and wild jasmine. A long beam of glowing acidity carries the spiced, custard apple-y finish, offering a delightful play of acidity and minerality against fruit and oak. Textured and lively, Aisana is serious enough to merit contemplation, yet refreshing enough to explain the bottle being undeniably empty soon after opening it. Just what we hunger for in white wine."~Nigel & Shae