![]() ![]() She went to UC Davis seeking to follow in her physician father’s footsteps, but changed paths when an Intro to Winemaking course wooed her to the wine world. Luckily for our members, we scored a few cases.Īnna Monticelli’s path did not always lead to Napa. Because Napa has a million excellent Cabernets, but a precious few come in under $50-let alone $30. In a region that is long on cachet but tends to be tough on the wallet, it’s wise to pay attention when two of the most influential critics in the world use the V-word. The biggest surprise of the night came when Anna and Kimberly, whose portfolios include some triple-digit-priced icons, told us that this opulent blackberry-and-chocolate Cabernet was just $35 per bottle. In Stack House, Monticelli and Jones have combined forces to create what Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate calls “a classic taste of Napa Valley,” and “a great value." Parker’s longtime critic Jeb Dunnuck agrees, praising Stack House’s “layered, elegant style," and dubbing it-here’s that word again-a “killer value.” That was after Anna’s stint in Château Cheval Blanc’s legendary cellars, and as assistant winemaker at Seavey. She spent five years assisting Philippe Melka at Bryant Family where they turned out several perfection-chasing 97+- and 98-point wines. Monticelli is a winemaker of spotless credentials. Needless to say, we took them up on a taste. The surprise came when they told us that the bottle of red accompanying their dry-aged NY strip, the 2015 Stack House Cabernet Sauvignon, wasn’t just theirs-it was theirs. At this incredible value, this is a must-have Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.The Napa wine world is tiny, so we weren’t too surprised to run into two excellent vintners, Anna Monticelli and Kimberly Jones, sitting together at the bar at TORC in downtown Napa. The vibrant acidity, purity, and soft tannins all lead to a beautifully layered finish. The 2018 has a stunning bouquet of blackberries, black cherries, raspberries, crushed rock, and toasty oak. Sourced from several vineyards within Napa Valley, this blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Malbec, 5% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc was aged for 32 months in 50% new French oak. It all stacks up to a life fulfilled and that's the philosophy that drives Stack House." ~ Anna Monticelli "We believe life should be enjoyed on a daily basis, taking a seat around the table where good food and fine wine are elevated by great company and lively conversation. Anna and Mario now travel to Italy with their three children where they have winemaking projects in Barolo, Chianti, Maremma Toscana and Abruzzo and make wines in Napa, including Tether and Stack House. He introduced Mario to the family business when Mario was still a child, instilling a passion that defines Mario and Anna's lives today. Born into a family whose roots as winemakers span four generations, Mario's father emigrated from Italy to California, where he has worked for over 50 years making wine for Gallo. Her husband, Mario, has worked alongside legendary winemaker Philippe Melka at Quintessa, Hundred Acre, Vineyard 29, Melka, and Lail. Winemaking is a family affair in the Monticelli home. She followed this up by being the Assistant Winemaker at Bryant Family Vineyard for four and half years before becoming winemaker at Piña Napa Valley in 2007 and finally branching off to make several personal projects on her own. Upon her return to California, she was the Assistant Winemaker at Seavey Vineyard under Philippe Melka in Napa Valley for two years. Her first harvest after graduation was at the esteemed Château Cheval Blanc in Bordeaux, France, in 2000. She spent a year studying at the Sorbonne in Paris and took summer courses in Rome, Italy, and Poland during her undergraduate years. We love introducing you to new brands - it's our niche! However, we also love sharing the latest releases from brands we have already introduced you to, and I could not be more excited to share the newest release of Anna Monticelli's project - Stack House.Īnna Monticelli earned her degree in Viticulture and Enology at the University of California, Davis.
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