Wine Advisor
Dalla Valle, Maya 2022
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Joe Czerwinski
I would be surprised if the 2022 Maya scaled the same heights as the 100-point 2021, but it is a terrific wine from what is shaping up to be an irregular vintage across Napa Valley. Sweet-smelling blackberries with a delicate coating of dusty earth appear on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is concentrated and dense, finishing with ample length and the suggestion of dark chocolate.
Reviewed by: Joe Czerwinski
Dalla Valle's 2022 Maya is a blend of 55% Cabernet Franc and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, dominated on the nose by scents of dark chocolate and black cherries, plus vaguely leafy notions and hints of dried spices. Tannic and taut, in obvious need of cellaring, this medium to full-bodied wine's tannins are not as deep or richly textural as they can be (as in the 2021, for example), but they remain impressive; and the finish exhibits superb length. The winery's Cabernet Sauvignon is more flattering to taste now, while the Maya may surpass it in time.
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.
