The 2007 Dalla Valle Cabernet Sauvignon was the winning bottle in the April Installment of Pick My Next Bottle. I did not decant the wine and it was served with a New York Steaks and Brussel sprouts roasted in bacon fat.
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. Stunning nose of blue and black fruits, creme de cassis, Whitman Sampler Box and violets. Full bodied with rich fruits and impeccable balance. Currants, cassis liqueur, tobacco and bittersweet chocolate on the palate. Tremendous length on the finish with prominent fine grained tannins. This Cabernet Sauvignon has aged brilliantly and it would be hard to expect more from Dalla Valle in what was ultimately a challenging vintage. Best over the next 3-5 years.
My rating: 96 points.
Dalla Valle wines are only available via the mailing list. The 2022 Dalla Valle should be released early next year at about $200.