Winemaker Andy Erickson has produced another outstanding Estate Cabernet from this hallowed vineyard that rests a few hundred feet above the east bench of Oakville. "This new vintage of the Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is as smooth as silk. It shares similar tones and hues as the Maya, with vibrant fruit and spice aromas, and a dark black-purple color. The natural acidity of the vintage comes through, adding to the wine's volume, while the softness of the tannins make it immediately appealing. In addition to the typical red and black fruit character, the wine is layered with notes of chocolate, freshly cut thyme, and smoke. It is a subtle but hedonistic offering, and should delight for ten to fifteen years minimum."
With vintner Naoko Dalla Valle's daughter, Maya, and winemaker Andy Erickson playing crucial roles at the Estate today, we think their wines in the last decade have been their best yet. Dalla Valle overlooks the Napa Valley floor from a hillside terrace 400 feet above the Silverado Trail in Oakville. Since Gustav and Naoko Dalla Valle purchased the property in 1982 and began planting vines, this exceptional acreage has continually distinguished itself as the ideal site for producing some of the world’s finest wines, thanks to the perfect convergence of lingering sunlight, cooling marine influence and red volcanic soil. As dictated by naturally low-yielding soils composed primarily of fractured volcanic rock, Dalla Valle Vineyards keeps fruit production tightly controlled. Rootstocks have been carefully chosen for compatibility with the estate’s terroir, excellent drainage and ideal exposure to sunlight—a full hour more than vines on the valley floor enjoy. The combination of these elements enables Dalla Valle to produce fruit of unique quality and highly sought-after wines in limited quantities.
