In Vino Felicitas "Tether" Chardonnay 2019
In Vino Felicitas "Tether" Chardonnay 2019
Oak Knoll & Los Carneros, Napa Valley, California
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Tasting Notes
The 2019 Tether Napa Valley Chardonnay is a true standout, offering an impressive array of aromas and flavors. Ripe honeydew melon, white peach, and green mango mingle with fragrant notes of lemongrass, Kaffir lime leaves, and jasmine, creating a captivating bouquet. On the palate, this medium to full-bodied Chardonnay delivers a creamy mouthfeel balanced by vibrant acidity, leading to a lengthy finish that reveals integrated toasty French oak nuances. With its pure and elegant profile, bursting with stone fruits, honeyed citrus, and papaya, complemented by toasted bread-like aromas, this wine exudes both power and finesse. Its clean, elegant texture and scrumptious finish, accented by hints of baking spice and pear drops, make it a truly exceptional vintage.
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Story
Tether is a collaboration between Kimberly Jones, Anna and Mario Monticelli. Tether is an enticing wine that represents a blend of their talents. Anna Monticelli and her husband Mario Monticelli are the driving forces behind a diverse portfolio of wines that reflect their deep-rooted passion and extensive experience in the winemaking world. Anna's journey began with a degree in Viticulture and Enology from the University of California Davis, followed by formative experiences in France, including a stint at Château Cheval-Blanc under the guidance of viticultural expert Kees Van Leeuwen. In Napa Valley, Anna honed her skills as assistant winemaker at Seavey Vineyard and Bryant Family Vineyard before taking the helm at Piña Napa Valley. Together with Mario, they produce a range of wines under labels like Stack House, Tether, Brioche, and No Brainer in Napa Valley. Their dedication extends beyond California, with winemaking projects in Italy's Piedmont, Tuscany, Abruzzo, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia regions, as well as ventures in Champagne and The Phone Valley in France, where they travel with their three children to oversee their European endeavors.
Mario Monticelli's winemaking heritage spans generations, instilled in him by his father, who spent over 50 years crafting wines for Gallo. Mario's formal education in Viticulture, Enology, and Italian from the University of California Davis laid the foundation for a career that has taken him from Tuscany's Villa Antinori to the cellars of Philippe Melka in Napa Valley. Mario's expertise flourished during his tenure at Quixote Winery and Trinchero Napa Valley before he transitioned to consultancy work and focused on their joint projects. With a deep familial connection to winemaking and a wealth of experience in both Old and New World wine regions, Mario brings a rich understanding of terroir and tradition to the Monticelli winemaking legacy.
Kimberly Jones and the Monticellis work on projects around the world but always remain tethered to the Napa Valley. They live by the Tether motto. Be bold. Take risks. Always stay connected.
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Somm Notes
Rarely does a California Chardonnay make my mouth salivate, waiting for the next sip. Some of the best iterations of California Chardonnay are attached to a nice price tag - understandably, so when this wine graced my palate, I was not just pleasantly surprised, but was excited and intrigued. There are many California Chardonnays that try to mimic their Burgundy counterparts, I myself am partial to that minerality that Burgundian wines often impart. However, there is something to be said for an acknowledgement of the history of the grape in the producing region. Napa Valley, known for oak bomb Chardonnays, like Rombauer, rarely produces such a balanced and elegant Chardonnay that is accessible to the vast majority of wine lovers. This Chardonnay excites me because it has something for everyone, enough acidity for food lovers to pair, that hint of vanilla and oak for those die hard California Chardonnay drinkers, and for somms and adventurous drinkers - layers of flavors ranging from the hallmark tree fruits typical of Chardonnay to more tropical notes that keep this wine light on its feet. A truly pleasurable sipping experience.
92 POINTS – JEB DUNNUCK
Another great release for this wine, the 2019 Chardonnay offers a pure, elegant, yet still powerful, medium to full-bodied style that carries lots of stone fruits, honeyed citrus, papaya, and toasted bread-like aromas and flavors. It has a tropical edge as well as wonderful purity, a clean, elegant texture, and a great finish.
90 POINTS – THE WINE ADVOCATE (Lisa Perrotti-Brown)
The 2019 Chardonnay gives up toasty oak and baked apples scents with touches of allspice and pear drops. Medium-bodied, the palate has an oak-kissed, generously fruity style and a scrumptious, baking
spice-laced finish.
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Region
The Oak Knoll District AVA, nestled in the southern end of central Napa Valley, boasts a reputation for its cooler climate and extended growing season. This region's diverse soils, ranging from rich fluvial soils in the center to gravelly terrain in the west, contribute to the fruity and charming character of its wines. With elevations from sea level to 800 feet, Oak Knoll enjoys a temperate climate moderated by daily fog and afternoon breezes, perfect for cultivating varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc. Since the mid-1800s, Oak Knoll has played a pivotal role in Napa Valley's viticultural history, evolving into a premier appellation recognized for producing elegant and understated wines.
Los Carneros AVA, spanning across parts of Napa Valley and Sonoma, distinguishes itself with its significantly cooler climate influenced by the marine fog and breezes from the San Pablo Bay. Characterized by low rolling hills and clay-dominated soils, this region excels in producing exquisite Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, often compared to Burgundy's finesse. With elevations ranging from sea level to 700 feet, Los Carneros experiences a mild climate, with summer temperatures rarely exceeding 80°F. Its viticultural legacy dates back to the 1830s, marked by the establishment of large ranches and pioneering vineyards, which laid the foundation for its resurgence as a prominent AVA in the 20th century. Today, Los Carneros continues to thrive as a premier winegrowing region, celebrated for its fresh, vibrant wines and natural acidity.