The 2017 Ilaria Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon bursts from the glass with aromas of ripe black cherries, currant liqueur and blackberry pie. Gorgeous layers of licorice, chocolate, volcanic rock, cedar and subtle toasty French oak graciously unfold in the glass. This lush full-bodied Cabernet offers an endearing texture and heady long-lasting finish. The final blend for this wine is 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Malbec, 7% Cabernet Franc and 7% Merlot. 94+ Points, Wine Advocate

The husband and wife Ilaria team are comprised of winemaker Anna Monticelli and Mario Monticelli. 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 viticulture 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. In 2007, she became the winemaker at Piña Napa Valley, where she crafts single vineyard designate Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon wines. Anna's husband, Mario, was born into a family whose roots as winemakers span four generations. His father emigrated from Italy to California where he has worked for over 40 years making wine for Gallo. He introduced Mario to the family business when Mario was still a child, instilling in him a passion that defines his life. Mario earned degrees in both Viticulture and Enology and Italian at the University of California Davis. He honed his craft working a harvest in Tuscany at Villa Antinori, then spent four years working as the assistant winemaker for consultant Philippe Melka for numerous Napa Valley producers. He spent three years as the winemaker for Quixote Winery before assuming the role of winemaker for Trinchero Napa Valley in 2007.