Ilona Howell Mountain Red 2004 Front Bottle Shot
Ilona Howell Mountain Red 2004 Front Bottle Shot Ilona Howell Mountain Red 2004 Front Label

Winemaker Notes

Ilona is an Eastern European name which over time had evolved into Elaine, my mothers name. The woman's profile on the label comes from an ancient Greek coin I found in Paris, and after reading many stories of Greece, got the impression that the women of that time were both very strong, yet feminine. The label and the name set the right tone for this powerful, but also soft and rounded wine.
Ilona

Ilona

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Undoubtedly proving its merit over and over, Napa Valley is a now a leading force in the world of prestigious red wine regions. Though Cabernet Sauvignon dominates Napa Valley, other red varieties certainly thrive here. Important but often overlooked include Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties well-regarded on their own as well as for their blending capacities. Very old vine Zinfandel represents an important historical stronghold for the region and Pinot noir is produced in the cooler southern parts, close to the San Pablo Bay.

Perfectly situated running north to south, the valley acts as a corridor, pulling cool, moist air up from the San Pablo Bay in the evenings during the hot days of the growing season, which leads to even and slow grape ripening. Furthermore the valley claims over 100 soil variations including layers of volcanic, gravel, sand and silt—a combination excellent for world-class red wine production.

DDE107844_2004 Item# 107844