Wine Advisor
Dalla Valle, Maya 2021
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Joe Czerwinski
Simply a wonderful wine, the 2021 Maya oozes class, with deep, complex aromas of violets and cassis, earthy loam and hints of tobacco and mint. It's just medium to full-bodied, cool, silky and finessed. Supremely elegant but concentrated, just reined in, restrained. She's the "perfect" girl, the one so special a younger me would be afraid to ask out. The current me is married, so... I'll just sit here and drink it in. Readers should drink it in too. All of it, from the upfront fruit to the lingering, savory finish. While approachable now, this wine should continue to drink well for two decades or more.
About the Producer
Dalla Valle Vineyards is a small, family-run winery established in 1986. The first vintage, Dalla Valle Cabernet Sauvignon, was produced that same year, and in 1988 the famous Dalla Valle Maya was produced. （Dalla Valle Maya.) Naoko, the owner, managed the estate independently after the death of her husband and Michel Rolland, the French winemaker, regularly advises on the winemaking and blending proportions of the estate. The 8.5 hectares of vineyard at Dalla-Valle are made up of red clay, volcanic gravel and clay soils that are well drained, hard and dense, which means that the growers have a lot of work to do during the vine growing period. The vineyard is located on the eastern slopes of Oakville and enjoys the right amount of light, while the cool breeze from San Francisco Bay keeps the vineyard cool. The vineyard is situated 400 feet from the valley floor, where light and temperature can vary considerably. The quality of the soil and the right amount of light and temperature allow for small yields in this vineyard, averaging around 1-1.5 tons per acre. The grapes have a complex flavour profile, with a good concentration of tannins and good colour. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc grow well in this vineyard. Dara-Valle produces two types of wine: Dara-Valle Cabernet Sauvignon red and Dara-Valle Maya. Dara-Valle Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and a small amount of Cabernet Franc, then aged in 50%-60% new oak barrels. Annual production is around 2,000 cases. Dara Valle Maya is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc from the Maya vineyard, with fermentation taking place in stainless steel vats and malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels, before the wine is aged in 70-80% new French oak barrels. Maya produces around 500 cases a year and sells for a high price, around $300 per bottle.
