Winemaker Notes
The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is a vibrant, seamless wine from start to finish. Hints of vanilla bean, cardamom and clove add richness upon first sip, followed by notes of black cherry and cedar. The introduction of two amphora aged wines into the blend adds a minerality and complexity, striking a chord that brings together undertones of blackcurrant, forest floor and bitter chocolate. This wine has a long, extended life ahead but has a multitude of enjoyment to offer now.
Blend: 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Cabernet Franc
98pts Wine Advocate
Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate needs a lot of swirling and coaxing to unlock notions of blackcurrant pastilles, warm black plums and mulberries, plus hints of black olives, tilled soil, mossy tree bark and violets with emerging baker's chocolate and star anise hints. Full-bodied, rich, concentrated and with impeccable poise, it has beautifully ripe, grainy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing epically long and earthy.
98pts James Suckling
Gorgeous blackberry and currant aromas with hints of herbs. Wonderfully varietal character. Full-bodied with tannins that frame the wine so nicely and create a long, lightly chewy finish. Fantastic wine.
97pts Jeb Dunuck
Including 20% Cabernet Franc, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is a hidden gem. While the Maya gets all the attention, the classic Cabernet Sauvignon from this team is insanely good, year-in, year-out. The 2019 sports a dense purple color as well as quintessential Cabernet notes of cassis, black raspberries, flowers, toasted spices, and tobacco leaf. The purity of fruit is incredible, it’s full-bodied, has silky tannins, and flawless balance.
96pts Wine Spectator
This is very tightly packed, with cassis, bitter plum and loganberry notes compressed along with anise, apple wood, warm humus and sweet tobacco. The earth note echoes nicely through the finish, too. More like an '18 in profile, with a youthfully backward persona. Cellaring this will yield rewards.
History
In 1983, Gustav and Naoko Dalla Valle began planting vines on the hillside of Oakville, overlooking Napa valley. Their vineyards produce excellent quality grapes, resulting in wines of great intensity, complexity and balance. Gustav passed away in 1995 and Naoko Dalla Valle continues the legacy of Dalla Valle wines. Dalla Valle Vineyards produces three wines: Maya (55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Cabernet Franc), Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Pietre Rosse (100% Sangiovese).
