The 2022 Maya is a fascinating departure from the norm: it is the first Maya since 1989 to be Cabernet Franc-dominant, approximately 54–55% Cabernet Franc and 45–46% Cabernet Sauvignon. It spent about 20 months in 75% new French oak. The result is highly aromatic, structured and mineral-driven, with Cabernet Franc providing exceptional floral and savory complexity.
Professional Ratings
| Critic |
Score |
| The Wine Independent |
⭐ 99+ |
| Decanter |
98 |
| Jeb Dunnuck |
97 |
| James Suckling |
97 |
| Vinous |
97 |
| Wine Advocate |
96+ |
These ratings align closely with the current Michael's Wine Cellar listing, which highlights the wine at 99 points from The Wine Independent.
The Wine Independent – 99+: Lisa Perrotti-Brown emphasizes boysenberry, blueberry and red currant with pencil shavings, herbs, licorice, rose and iron. The palate is intensely layered and firmly structured, with pronounced freshness and a long mineral finish.
Decanter – 98: Finds an inviting combination of sage, tobacco, cedar and incense, with generous fruit, fine-grained tannins and enough structure to develop for 20–30 years.
Jeb Dunnuck – 97: Dark currant, leafy herbs, violets, camphor, leather and flowers lead into a polished, layered palate with ripe tannins and an impressive finish.
James Suckling – 97: Blackcurrant, blueberry and black cherry mingle with violet, dark chocolate and spearmint. Despite its richness, the wine remains silky and elegant; he recommends 2030 onward for optimal development.
Vinous – 97: Antonio Galloni describes a layered expression of dark cherry, plum, leather, licorice and espresso, calling Maya one of his favorites and a potential standout of the 2022 vintage.
Wine Advocate – 96+: Black cherry and dark chocolate lead the profile, complemented by leafy and dried-spice nuances. Firm tannins make it relatively closed today, but the exceptional finish suggests substantial aging potential.
Tasting Profile
Nose: Blackcurrant, boysenberry, blueberry and dark cherry layered with violet, rose, graphite, mint, licorice, leather and herbs.
Palate: Medium-to-full bodied and tightly structured, combining concentrated black and blue fruit with fine-grained tannins, vibrant acidity and iron-like minerality. Cabernet Franc gives the wine an especially floral, savory personality.
Finish: Exceptionally long, fresh and mineral-driven, with lingering cassis, violet, graphite, herbs and savory iron.
Sommelier’s Take
The 2022 Maya is more Cabernet Franc-driven, aromatic and savory than the monumental 2021. It sacrifices a little of the previous vintage's sheer richness but gains distinctive floral character and freshness. This is a serious cellar wine—impressive now with a long decant, but likely much more expressive from 2030 onward.
