DVO DVO 2020 750ml

I was blown away by the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon DVO, a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc made as a collaboration between the team at Dalla Valle and Ornellaia. Remarkable notes of red and black currants, spring flowers, lead pencil, loamy earth, and classy oak all emerge from this young yet amazingly balanced, seamless Cabernet. Full-bodied on the palate and perfectly balanced, with silky tannins, it will probably be as good as it gets with 7–8 years of bottle age and is a magical Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon that will evolve for 30 years or more. (Jeb Dunnuck)

The 2021 DVO is superb. Cabernet Franc plays a big role, and that comes through loud and clear in the wine's aromatic and structural feel. Dark-toned fruit, gravel, crushed rocks, pencil shavings and cloves all race across the palate. There's a bit more depth here than in the first vintages, and that is very much to the wine's benefit. The 2021 will need some time to settle down, but it is a hugely promising wine. DVO is the joint venture formed by the Dalla Valle family and Ornellaia. Early vintages showed the natural learning that takes place over time. The 2021 is the best DVO yet. It will be interesting to see where this project goes following the departure of Axel Heinz, Ornellaia's long-time Estate Director, in 2023. DVO has real potential, but like any venture, success requires time, patience and investment. (Antonio Galloni)

DVO's 2021 Red Wine reverts to the roughly two-thirds Cabernet Sauvignon, one-third Cabernet Franc formula that shaped the 2017, but it also includes about 5% Merlot (note: this is quite different from the blends from 2018–2020, which went heavier on Cabernet Sauvignon). Fruit sourcing includes Las Posadas (Howell Mountain), Oakville Ranch and Vine Hill Ranch (Oakville) and a site in Coombsville. The nose is charming and complex, with notes of ripe blueberries and cassis joined by florals and a hint of licorice, while the mouth is full-bodied, plummy and rich. The long, silky finish picks up a hint of dark chocolate, yet it still remains fresh and immensely drinkable. (Joe Czerwinski)

Loaded with scents of blueberries, black cherries and cassis underpinned by a framework of cedary oak, DVO’s 2020 Red Wine is a 300-case blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Merlot aged 23 months in 60% new French oak. Full-bodied without being overly high octane, it shows admirable suppleness and ripe tannins. A blend of fruit from Oakville and Coombsville, it’s almost creamy-rich in texture on the palate, then lingers elegantly on the lengthy finish. Nicely done!

This has a tightly layered core of cassis, mulberry and damson plum, while notes of warm earth and a bright iron spine drive underneath. Features a floral flash in the background, as the fruit and iron notes coalesce seamlessly on the finish. Steady as a rock. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2023 through 2036. 550 cases made. (James Molesworth)

Juicy, fresh and forward, with brambly structure carrying blackberry and mulberry fruit flavors as well as lively licorice and roasted apple wood notes. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2036. 300 cases made. (James Molesworth)