Dalla Valle Vineyards 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.
Crimson in color. 14.8% ABV. Breathtaking nose of creme de cassis, graphite and Whitman Sampler box. Exceedingly rich and impeccably balanced. Concentration and power in spades. Cassis liqueur, blackberry, tobacco and cocoa on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. On one hand it is clear this wine has almost 20 years of bottle age but on the other there is little doubt this will drink well for another 6-8 years. What a stunner.
My rating: 96 points.
Dalla Valle wines are only available via the mailing list. The 2021 Dalla Valle should be released early next year at about $200.