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.
Purple in color. 14.6% ABV. Heady nose of black and blue fruits, Whitman Sampler box, molten licorice and violets. Full bodied with opulent, rich fruits. Very approachable with a short decant. Black currants, blueberry, creme de cassis and chocolate truffles on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish with mostly resolved but ever so silky tannins. Really good Dalla Valle but I prefer other vintages of this era including the 02 and 07. Best over the next 2-3 years.
My rating: 94 points.
Dalla Valle wines are only available via the mailing list. The 2023 Dalla Valle will be released next year and cost around $250.