KNIGHT'S CREST
Knight’s Crest takes its name and its emblem, an engraved knight chess piece, from the game’s most strategic move. Like a well-played knight, the brand moves with intention: sourcing fruit from great appellations, crafting each release without excess, and standing behind the belief that exceptional wine shouldn’t require an exceptional price. Every bottle carries that same crest, a mark of tradition and craftsmanship.
Our debut release, the 2023 Knight’s Crest Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon, opens with inviting aromas of blackberry, black currant, dark cherry, and plum, layered with cedar, cocoa, and baking spice. On the palate, concentrated dark fruit is framed by supple tannins and balanced acidity, finishing long and smooth with notes of mocha, vanilla, and toasted oak. A blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Petite Sirah, sourced primarily from Chalk Hill with a touch of Mendocino fruit, it’s approachable now yet structured enough to reward a few years in the cellar — an easy pairing with grilled steaks, braised short ribs, roasted lamb, and aged cheeses.
Mario Monticelli - Winemaker / Owner
Winemaking is a family affair in the Monticelli home. Mario, was born into a family whose roots as winemakers span four generations. His father emigrated from Italy to California where he worked for over 50 years making wine for Gallo. He introduced Mario to the family business when Mario was a child, instilling in him a passion for cultivating grapes and making wine that defines his life today.
Mario earned degrees in Viticulture, Enology and Italian at the University of California Davis. He honed his craft working a harvest in Tuscany at Villa Antinori, then spent four years working as the assistant winemaker for renown consultant Philippe Melka for numerous Napa Valley producers. He then spent three years as the winemaker for Quixote Winery and thirteen years as the winemaker for Trinchero Napa Valley before becoming a consultant winemaker and focusing on his own projects.
Anna Monticelli - Winemaker / Owner
Anna's journey began at the University of California Davis, where she earned a degree in Viticulture and Enology. She spent her fourth year studying at the Sorbonne in Paris, France. After completing her degree in California, she returned to France to work the 2000 vintage at Château Cheval-Blanc. She was very fortunate to work for their technical director, Kees Van Leeuwen, one of the foremost viticultural professors in Bordeaux.
Anna then moved to the Napa Valley and spent two years as the assistant winemaker at Seavey Vineyard before working for five years as the assistant winemaker at Bryant Family Vineyard under the tutelage of philippe melka. In 2007, Anna became the winemaker at Piña Napa Valley, where she crafts single-vineyard designate Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon wines and where she makes her Ilaria wines.
Anna and her husband, winemaker Mario Monticelli, make the Stack House, Tether, Brioche and No Brainer wines in Napa Valley. They also have Italian winemaking projects in the regions of Piedmont, Tuscany, Abruzzo. and Friuli-Venezia Giulia and French winemaking projects in Champagne, Burgundy and The Rhone Valley. They travel to Europe with their three children to work on their wines there.
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