Ilaria
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California, USA
One of my favorites of the tasting. Bold, rich and smooth textured style. Delicious
One of my favorites of the tasting. Bold, rich and smooth textured style. Delicious
1 person found it helpfulMar 3rd, 2015
Ilaria — Chardonnay 2022
Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA 🇺🇸
Overview
100% Chardonnay from Russian River Valley, crafted by winemaker Anna Monticelli. Better known for her Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and other reds, Monticelli brings a polished, terroir-conscious approach to Chardonnay, giving this wine finesse and authenticity rather than simply chasing richness. Her background includes Château Cheval Blanc, Seavey Vineyard, Bryant Family Vineyard, and Piña Napa Valley.
Aromas & Flavors
Lemon curd, baked pear, yellow apple, citrus peel, and delicate white flowers lead the way, with subtle vanilla and baking-spice nuances adding another layer without overwhelming the fruit.
Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied and beautifully balanced, with lovely acidity providing freshness and tension. A gentle creaminess develops through the mid-palate, followed by additional texture and depth toward the back end.
Food Pairings
Roasted chicken, grilled halibut, scallops, crab, creamy seafood pasta, mushroom risotto, or richer white-fish preparations.
Verdict
An intriguing Russian River Chardonnay that finds a comfortable middle ground between California generosity and restraint. There is enough texture and depth to satisfy Chardonnay lovers, but the freshness and finesse prevent it from becoming heavy or overly opulent.
Did You Know?
Anna Monticelli earned her Viticulture and Enology degree at UC Davis before working the 2000 vintage at Château Cheval Blanc and later assisting at Bryant Family Vineyard under Philippe Melka. That serious red-wine pedigree makes her exploration of Chardonnay particularly interesting.
🍷 Personal Pick
A great addition to Anna Monticelli’s repertoire of intriguing whites. I particularly enjoyed the lemon curd, baked pear, lovely acidity, and that subtle increase in texture and depth toward the finish. It has enough Russian River personality to feel generous, but enough finesse to remain sophisticated and beautifully composed.
Ilaria — Chardonnay 2022
Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA 🇺🇸
Overview
100% Chardonnay from Russian River Valley, crafted by winemaker Anna Monticelli. Better known for her Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and other reds, Monticelli brings a polished, terroir-conscious approach to Chardonnay, giving this wine finesse and authenticity rather than simply chasing richness. Her background includes Château Cheval Blanc, Seavey Vineyard, Bryant Family Vineyard, and Piña Napa Valley.
Aromas & Flavors
Lemon curd, baked pear, yellow apple, citrus peel, and delicate white flowers lead the way, with subtle vanilla and baking-spice nuances adding another layer without overwhelming the fruit.
Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied and beautifully balanced, with lovely acidity providing freshness and tension. A gentle creaminess develops through the mid-palate, followed by additional texture and depth toward the back end.
Food Pairings
Roasted chicken, grilled halibut, scallops, crab, creamy seafood pasta, mushroom risotto, or richer white-fish preparations.
Verdict
An intriguing Russian River Chardonnay that finds a comfortable middle ground between California generosity and restraint. There is enough texture and depth to satisfy Chardonnay lovers, but the freshness and finesse prevent it from becoming heavy or overly opulent.
Did You Know?
Anna Monticelli earned her Viticulture and Enology degree at UC Davis before working the 2000 vintage at Château Cheval Blanc and later assisting at Bryant Family Vineyard under Philippe Melka. That serious red-wine pedigree makes her exploration of Chardonnay particularly interesting.
🍷 Personal Pick
A great addition to Anna Monticelli’s repertoire of intriguing whites. I particularly enjoyed the lemon curd, baked pear, lovely acidity, and that subtle increase in texture and depth toward the finish. It has enough Russian River personality to feel generous, but enough finesse to remain sophisticated and beautifully composed.
Big and lush. Oak and vanilla on the nose. Dark cherry, smooth and spicy. So good.
Big and lush. Oak and vanilla on the nose. Dark cherry, smooth and spicy. So good.
May 23rd, 2026
Very good. A bit acidic for my taste. Hints of cherry and blackberry.
Very good. A bit acidic for my taste. Hints of cherry and blackberry.
Dec 31st, 2024
From Pina winemaker. It’s great. Chocolate covered cherries. Need to get more.
From Pina winemaker. It’s great. Chocolate covered cherries. Need to get more.
Feb 1st, 2022Wow. Like sinking into a plush velvet couch. Full bodied, dark cherry, dark tones (is that leather?) Smooth and complex.
Wow. Like sinking into a plush velvet couch. Full bodied, dark cherry, dark tones (is that leather?) Smooth and complex.
Aug 27th, 2021
Terrific 2015 at less than $60. Wow, “There is also a deep mineral component here-notes of crushed gravel and potting soil-that offers a counterpoint to the abundant fruit.” - Ian Cauble, Master Sommelier SommSelect
Terrific 2015 at less than $60. Wow, “There is also a deep mineral component here-notes of crushed gravel and potting soil-that offers a counterpoint to the abundant fruit.” - Ian Cauble, Master Sommelier SommSelect
Feb 21st, 2021If I hadn’t met winemaker at Mustards in June I never would’ve known, but this is a great wine for the price point. Go find some and try. Deep and rich. Went well with ribs and chicken bbq.
If I hadn’t met winemaker at Mustards in June I never would’ve known, but this is a great wine for the price point. Go find some and try. Deep and rich. Went well with ribs and chicken bbq.
Sep 8th, 2020Was fortunate enough to meet winemaker at Mustards Grill a month ago and she let me try this wine - same vintage I think. And now this has become one of my favorite wines under $60. If you can find it, buy it. Serve it to your friends who expect you to serve them Realm, Patria or Bond, etc.
Was fortunate enough to meet winemaker at Mustards Grill a month ago and she let me try this wine - same vintage I think. And now this has become one of my favorite wines under $60. If you can find it, buy it. Serve it to your friends who expect you to serve them Realm, Patria or Bond, etc.
Jul 18th, 2020