2021 DVO Napa Valley Red
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Tasting notes
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.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
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.
Not yet bottled, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon checks in as 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Las Posadas Cabernet Franc, with the Cabernet Sauvignon coming from Vine Hill, Oakville Ranch, and Collinetta in Coombsville. It has classic 2021 density and power in its full-bodied aromas and flavors of ripe black fruits, black olive, bouquet garni, and dark chocolate, and it's rich and powerful, with a great mid-palate and building tannins, all making for a serious, age-worthy wine. I was also able to taste a small sample of the 2022, which showed beautifully, but as it was only a tiny portion of the blend, it's tough to write a review. Nevertheless, if the sample is indicative of the final blend, this will unquestionably be worth your time and money. It's also worth pointing out that 2022 will be the last vintage for collaborator Axel Heinz (previous at Ornellaia) as he moves into his new role as director for Ch teau Lascombes in Bordeaux.
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.