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News
Jeb Dunnuck 97 Points: “The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, which always includes a splash of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, is incredible juice and a wine readers should seek out. Showing the quality and style of the vintage beautifully, it offers a captivating bouquet of crème de cassis, unsmoked tobacco, bouquet garni, and violets, with just a touch of foresty, earthy notes in the background. Aged 22 months in barrel (with a small amount in amphora), it’s full-bodied and perfectly balanced, with integrated acidity and a great finish. I love this wine and don’t make the mistake of overlooking this while only focusing on the Maya cuvee.”
Vinous 97 Points: “The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is a powerful, explosive wine that is going to need a number of years to be at its finest. The energy and raw intensity are so pronounced. Inky dark fruit, spice, menthol, licorice and cedar add striking aromatic nuance, but it is the wine’s phenomenal balance that stands out most. This is the first vintage that includes component wine aged in amphora. This is far from an easygoing 2018.”
Wine Description
The Story
The first vintage, produced in 1986, established this wine as an instant Napa Valley classic. Select Cabernet Sauvignon is blended with a small percentage of Cabernet Franc and aged in no greater than 60% new French oak. For close to three decades, this standard-bearer has consistently shown impressive structure and velvety berry flavors.
Wine Information
Winemaker Notes: “Our annual offering of Dalla Valle Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of some of the best blocks that grow on our estate property. The 2018 vintage, a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot, was aged for 22 months in two-thirds new French oak barrels, giving the wine a round, burnished texture and elevated fruit intensity. Fresh berries, soil and dried hay give way to cinnamon, nutmeg, smoked meat and cassis. It is layered and lively, with a strong sense of place. Our vineyards, which sits 500 feet above the valley floor, consistently delivers wines of remarkable intensity, and in a special vintage like 2018, the experience is elevated. This wine will surely age gracefully for many years to come.”
