Dalla Valle was founded in 1986 by Gustav and Naoko Dalla Valle, who purchased 21 acres on the east side of Silverado Trail on Oakville Hill. They planted the vineyards to Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc and had their first crush in 1986. Dalla Valle produces a Cabernet Sauvignon and a very limited amount of a proprietary red named Maya, after the couple’s daughter. Maya usually contains 45-55% Cabernet Franc, and Robert Parker has written that the finest Cabernet Franc in “the New World is from Dalla Valle’s vineyard.” Though Gustav Dalla Valle died in 1995, Naoko has continued to run the winery.
Decanted for about one hour.
Ruby red in color. 13.5% ABV. Soaring nose of red fruits, mint and graphite. Great concentration and power. Black currants, cassis, cherries and tobacco on the palate. Super silky tannins on an exceptionally long finish. Fantastic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from a wonderful vintage. I’ll drink my remaining bottles over the next 3-5 years. One of the best Napa Cabs I have had in recent memory.
My rating: 96 points.
Dalla Valle wines are only available via the mailing list. The current vintages runs $175 and will be released later this Fall.
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Excellent review Tom! This is the only wine I break my $150/bottle limit for. Superlative wines…
Thanks Mark. Fairly priced at $175 and just exceptional wines.