Ilaria
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California, USA
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.