2007 Ilaria Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon (94% Cabernet Sauvignon and rest Petit Verdot) is a limited production cuvee offering a dense opaque purple color, beautiful black currant, charcoal, and smoky aromas, a gracious, elegant, well-balanced style, medium to full body, beautiful concentration, and an endearing texture and length. There is nothing out of place in this supple, already appealing Cabernet. It should last for 15+ years. A new winery for me, virtually all of Ilaria’s Cabernet fruit comes from the D’Adamo Vineyard in the Atlas Peak foothills. The Syrah is from the Simpkins Vineyard, not far away in Coombsville. Owner/winemaker Anna Monticelli’s impressive resume includes studies at the Sorbonne in Paris, working at Cheval Blanc during the 2000 harvest, and as assistant winemaker at both Seavey and Bryant Family Vineyard. Tel. (707) 251-9029