Ilaria Malbec Napa Valley 2019

Seeing as Cabernet Sauvignon dominates Napa Valley’s vineyard acreage, it’s refreshing to see another grape getting a tiny share of representation. Even better: This Malbec from Anna Monticelli is a great wine at a great price point. The 2019 vintage shows darker fruits and a more dominant toasty oak influence compared to 2018’s overt fruitiness.  Dark and inky in color with blueberry, plum, vanilla and caramel notes, the wine has a lasting aftertaste and ripe tannins.