Comprised of 96% Malbec and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, the Malbec is derived from the Dr. Reid Vineyard in the Napa Valley appellation of Coombsville. Although it only received its AVA status in 2011, Coombsville delivers perfectly ripe fruit while still retaining the essential acidity for an ideal balance. This is due to its proximity to San Pablo Bay, which delivers cool nights as well as marine fog and persistent breezes. Furthermore, the rocky, volcanic soils of the Dr. Reid Vineyard offers a distinct soft minerality. All of these factors combined results in a terroir-driven wine with ample freshness and pristine fruit that is reminiscent of the old world but with the unique voice of the Napa Valley.

Owner and winemaker, Anna Monticelli followed up her degree in Viticulture and Enology from Davis with a position at Bordeaux’s famed Château Cheval-Blanc. After returning to Napa, she served as assistant winemaker at Seavey Vineyard before her five-year tenure at the celebrated Bryant Family Vineyard. She is currently winemaker at the acclaimed Piña Napa Valley as well as the owner and winemaker of her own label, Ilaria. Italian for, “happy and cheerful,” Ilaria is named after Anna’s daughter. This beautiful Malbec is raised in 54% new French oak for 22 months. Anna’s astute winemaking skills are evident in every delicious sip. She delivers a Malbec that represents the very best of the Napa Valley for an unbeatable value.

This 2012 Malbec has an opaque, dark purple core with pink and magenta reflections on the rim. The nose is pure and driven by florals of wet violets and cherry blossoms over aromas of freshly picked blackberry, blueberry and boysenberry intertwined with wild sage, cacao nibs, fresh leather and cedar with oak markers including fresh vanilla bean and various baking spices. The rich, near full-bodied palate boasts mouth-coating concentration balanced with perfect freshness brought by ideal acidity. Fruits on the palate confirm the nose with flavors of perfectly ripe and concentrated black and blue fruits, beautiful, turned earth and subtle, integrated baking spices. Capable of appealing to almost every palate, this wine is singing at the moment and is ideal to consume over the next 3-4 years. To enjoy, simply decant for twenty minutes and serve in large Bordeaux stems at 60-65 degrees. For a pairing that will warm your bones and allow this wine to shine, try this savory lamb stew recipe.