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Tasting notes
The most reticent of the 2016s, Maya is going to need at least a few years in bottle to be at its best, and even that may not be enough. Today, the bright red fruit and soaring aromatics of the Cabernet Franc are especially evident. I have no doubt the 2016 will be spectacular when it opens up, but that is going to take at least a few years. Sweet red fruit, dried flowers, mint, blood orange and cinnamon build into a crescendo of aromas, flavors, and textures.
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Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2016 Maya offers another level of depth and density and is a truly special, magical wine. A blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon and 33% Cabernet Franc, it boasts off the chart notes of blackcurrants, Asian spices, lead pencil, chocolate, and incense. These all give way to a massively concentrated, rich, and powerful wine that nevertheless stays oh, so seamless, silky and pure, with a finish that goes on for minutes. Utterly profound in every way, this sensational wine hits every high point you could ever set for a glass of wine. it's one of the top 2-3 wines in this report. Hide bottles for 7-8 years and it will keep for 3-4 decades.
A ripe and lavish Napa red with currant and dried berry with hints of milk chocolate. Turns to fresh flowers and dry earth. Full body, flavorful with lots of integrity and focus. Flavorful finish. The polish to the tannins and glorious. A blend of 67% cabernet sauvignon and 33% cabernet franc. Drink or hold
Dalla Valle's 2016 Maya, the estate's flagship Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc blend, is endowed with stunning purity and exceptional balance. The purity of the flavors is simply remarkable. A rush of red cherry jam, menthol, pomegranate, mint and espresso builds as the wine opens up in the glass. Blood orange and expressive floral notes appear later, adding brightness as the 2016 reveals the many shades of its beguiling personality. Silky and seamless on the palate, with exceptional balance, the 2016 has so much to offer. The 2016 is one of the most polished and complete young Mayas I can remember tasting. In a word, exceptional.
About the producer
Dalla Valle Vineyards was founded in 1986 by Naoko and her late husband Gustav Dalla Valle, in Oakville. Initially they had wanted to create a luxury resort, but when they discovered the potential of the site, they changed tack and decided to make wine.