Dalla Valle Dalla Valle Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 750ml

A deep, layered wine, Dalla Valle’s 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon possesses fabulous richness and texture to match its rich contours. Silky tannins shape the succulent finish in a Cabernet Sauvignon that captures the very best of the vintage. Sweet red cherry, plum, spice, new leather and mocha are laced into the exotic, voluptuous finish. Today, the 2012 speaks to polish above all else. This is a stunning 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon. (Antonio Galloni)

With a much higher proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon (91%, with 9% Cabernet Franc), the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is less floral than the Maya but more obviously fruity and up front. Bold black cherries and cassis lead the way, framed by gentle oak shadings of cedar and vanilla, backed by deep bass notes of rich loam and hints of tobacco. Medium to full-bodied, the tannins are wonderfully judged, supple and velvety in one sip, then fine and silky in the next, while the finish lingers effortlessly, even if it lacks some of the seamless elegance of its sister. (Joe Czerwinski)

Based on 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc that was raised in 70% new oak, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon sports a deep purple hue as well as a captivating nose of ripe blueberries, pure cassis, spring flowers, and chocolate, with this beautiful sense of minerality. Deep, rich, and concentrated, with a full-bodied mouthfeel, it has flawless tannins and a great finish. I know all the attention here goes to the smaller production Maya release, but I continue to beat the drums regarding the incredible quality of the classic Cabernet Sauvignon from this brilliant estate. 97-99 points. (Jeb Dunnuck)

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.

The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon has really closed down since I last tasted it. Beams of tannin give the 2013 its shape and overall energy. Precise and yet also quite explosive, the 2013 will be a magnificent wine once it emerges from its present slumber. Quite simply, this is a captivating wine from Naoko Dalla Valle. Time in the glass provides glimpse of what is in store for readers who wait. However, I imagine opening a bottle before age ten will be largely an academic exercise. (Antonio Galloni)

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. (Jeb Dunnuck)

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. (Antonio Galloni)

The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is dazzling. What a wine! Ample and creamy, the 2019 possesses striking resonance to match its elegant, refined personality. A healthy dollop of Franc adds freshness to a core of dark red cherry, red plum, mocha, spice and new leather flavors. There is a level purity here that is just remarkable. This is the first vintage that includes a small portion of wine aged in amphora. I especially admire the aromatic presence and vibrancy in the 2019. (Antonio Galloni)

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. It has 30 years of prime drinking ahead of it. (Jeb Dunnuck)

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate comes soaring out of the glass with energetic notions of fresh blackberries, black cherries and cassis plus nuances of dark chocolate, kirsch, cardamom and tilled soil with a fragrant waft of violets. The full-bodied palate is densely packed with perfumed black fruit flavors, supported by firm, grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long with loads of mineral accents.

Based on 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc that was raised in 70% new oak, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon sports a deep purple hue as well as a captivating nose of ripe blueberries, pure cassis, spring flowers, and chocolate, with this beautiful sense of minerality. Deep, rich, and concentrated, with a full-bodied mouthfeel, it has flawless tannins and a great finish. I know all the attention here goes to the smaller production Maya release, but I continue to beat the drums regarding the incredible quality of the classic Cabernet Sauvignon from this brilliant estate.

This throws a lot at you from the get-go, with sassafras, sweet bay leaf and red tea notes leading off, before the core of red and black currant paste and boysenberry reduction starts to assert itself. Licorice and fruitcake accents check in late, with all the other elements falling into line easily through the lengthy finish. Distinctive and gorgeous. Best from 2022 through 2038. 1,000 cases made. (James Molesworth)

Pure and hyperfocused, with gorgeous violet, cassis and plum puree notes streaming along, laced with hints of apple wood, freshly plowed earth and iron. Long, sleek and refined through the finish, showing only hints of developing maturity, while the iron accent takes an encore. Circle back in another 10 years when this hits its peak. Blind 2013 California Cabernet retrospective (February 2023). Drink now through 2038. 1,000 cases made. (James Molesworth)

<p>The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is laced with dark red/purplish fruit, mint, lavender, rose petal, graphite and dried herbs. Medium in body and wonderfully vibrant, the 2021 is positively stellar. It&#39;s a great example of the new style here under the direction of Maya Dalla Valle. What a wine! </p> (Antonio Galloni)

This just feels special, as a focused, velvety wave of boysenberry, mulberry and black cherry reduction notes moves through steadily, carried by a graphite spine and laced throughout with iris and ganache accents. A terrific tug of cast iron is buried deeply on the finish. Best from 2025 through 2042. 1,100 cases made.

Dalla Valle’s 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon is dark, dense and virtually impenetrable. Young and imposing, the 2013 is many years away from offering its finest drinking. The flavors are bold and dramatic in this super-classic eastern Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon. Black cherry, plum, mocha, espresso, new leather and licorice wrap around a sumptuous finish supported by beams of acidity and minerality.

This has a perfumed nose of violets, blueberry pie, vanilla and crushed walnuts. It’s full-bodied with firm, powdery tannins. Powerful yet fresh, with intense layers of blue fruit, flowers and wood spices. Better from 2022.

The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon is super-refined, polished and articulate, with mid-weight structure and fine overall balance. Readers should expect a somewhat laid-back wine by Dalla Valle’s standards. In 2014, the Cabernet Sauvignon is especially aromatic and nuanced. It should drink well with minimal cellaring. (Antonio Galloni)

A full-bodied and refined cabernet sauvignon with notes of blackberries, dark plums, warm herbs and spice box. Serious, with fine yet firm tannins. Vivid core of spices on the velvety center-palate. The caressing touch of berries mingles harmoniously with the peppercorns and grilled herbs. Authentic and well-composed, with a focused, long and lively finish. Try after 2025.

The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon (virtually all Cabernet Sauvignon) exhibits rich blackcurrant, forest floor, unsmoked cigar tobacco, and hints of licorice and new barriques. Dominated by its fruit, this full-bodied, plush, opulent wine is a seamless, classic example of hillside Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. It can be drunk early, but should age effortlessly for two decades or more.

The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate displays loads of black fruit, cedar and wet stones along with some burning embers and charcoal, followed by wonderful ripeness and sweetness in a classic, full-bodied style. There’s a certain minerality, the tannins are prominent but velvety, and the wine multi-dimensional and layered. This wine will benefit from 5-7 years and last for at least 30+ years, based on how older vintages have evolved. This is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Tight, rich and juicy, with a solid core of zesty blackberry, anise, cedar, crushed rock and dusty herb flavors. A mouthful of Cabernet, showing a sense of elegance and finesse. Drink now through 2030. 1,000 cases made.