From Winemaker and owner of Ilaria Wines, and also Winemaker at Pina Cellars on Silverado Trail
“The 2021 Ilaria Napa Valley Malbec explodes from the glass with concentrated aromas of dark blackberry, black cherry and blueberry fruits. Layers of lavender, dark chocolate, spice box and crushed rock waft from the glass complimenting the intense fruit forward core. There is gorgeous purity on the nose, plush soft approachable tannins and an incredibly viscous mouthfeel. This wine showcases an enduring finish of optimally ripe fruit and sweet toasty French oak.”
93 Points The Wine Independent – “A blend of 77% Malbec and 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2021 Ilaria Malbec has a deep garnet-purple color. It needs a fair bit of swirling to unlock powerful notes of plum preserves, chocolate-covered cherries, and lilacs, leading to suggestions of clove oil and fallen leaves. The full-bodied palate is jam-packed with bright, energetic black fruits and captivating floral sparks, framed by velvety tannins and lovely tension, finishing with great persistence.”
About Anna Monticelli – Winemaker / Owner
Anna’s journey began at the University of California Davis, where she earned a degree in Viticulture and Enology. She spent her fourth year studying at the Sorbonne in Paris, France. After completing her degree in California, she returned to France to work the 2000 vintage at Château Cheval-Blanc. She was very fortunate to work for their technical director, Kees Van Leeuwen, one of the foremost viticultural professors in Bordeaux.
Anna then moved to the Napa Valley and spent two years as the assistant winemaker at Seavey Vineyard before working for five years as the assistant winemaker at Bryant Family Vineyard under the tutelage of Philippe Melka. In 2007, Anna became the winemaker at Piña Napa Valley, where she crafts single-vineyard designate Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon wines and where she makes her Ilaria wines.
Anna also makes the Stack House and Tether wines in Napa Valley. She and her husband, winemaker Mario Monticelli, have Italian winemaking projects in the regions of Piedmont, Tuscany, Abruzzo. and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. They travel to Italy with their three children to work on their wines there.
