Dalla Valle Collina 2020

Region and Vineyards

The 2020 growing season at Dalla Valle’s estate in Napa Valley began with dry conditions and a warm spring that initiated early budbreak and vigorous growth. The summer’s cool evenings balanced the daytime warmth, leading to optimal ripening. By August, accelerated ripening prompted an early harvest, ensuring fruit with exceptional concentration and ripeness.

Sourced from younger vines on the estate, Collina benefits from Napa Valley’s unique terroir, where well-draining soils and a warm, Mediterranean climate contribute to rich, vibrant fruit flavors and a refreshing acidity. The balanced climate of Oakville, Napa’s premier AVA, is ideal for Bordeaux varietals, allowing the vines to thrive and develop complexity.

Winemaking

The 2020 Collina blend consists of equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, with a dash of Petit Verdot. This precise combination brings together the floral character and spice of Cabernet Franc, the structure of Cabernet Sauvignon, and the depth of Petit Verdot. Aging took place in French oak, which added a refined touch, smoothing the texture and harmonizing the blend’s diverse aromatics.

The wine’s approachable style is underscored by Dalla Valle’s commitment to meticulous winemaking, resulting in a blend with both finesse and a prolonged, integrated finish.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby with a vibrant rim.
• Aroma: Floral notes of violet and cedar mix with hints of pine needles and ripe boysenberries, offering a fresh and layered bouquet.
• Palate: Silky and well-rounded, with flavors of plush dark berries and subtle spice. The finish is smooth, leaving a lasting impression of balanced fruit and floral nuances.

Did you know?

The 2020 vintage was a testament to the resilience of the Dalla Valle team, who overcame challenging conditions to produce a wine of remarkable quality and elegance. Collina 2020 reflects both the estate’s dedication to their craft and the strength of the vineyard’s young vines.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Braised Short Ribs with Rosemary: The wine’s dark fruit and floral notes balance the rich flavors of the braised meat and aromatic rosemary.
• Wild Mushroom Tagliatelle: The earthy mushrooms enhance the wine’s depth and complement its smooth tannins.
• Roast Chicken with Herbs de Provence: The wine’s floral and cedar notes complement the savory herbs, creating a harmonious pairing.
• Aged Manchego Cheese: The nutty, slightly sharp profile of Manchego balances the wine’s richness, highlighting its complex flavors.

History of Dalla Valle Vineyards

Founded in 1986 by Naoko and Gustav Dalla Valle, the estate quickly gained recognition for its powerful, complex wines. The Dalla Valle family’s journey into winemaking began as a shared dream that Gustav and Naoko brought to life in the Oakville hills. Sadly, after Gustav’s untimely passing, Naoko took over the management of the estate, passionately building on their vision and refining the vineyard’s identity with every vintage.

The estate’s iconic wine, Maya, named after Naoko and Gustav's daughter, exemplifies the commitment to quality and terroir-driven expression that defines Dalla Valle. Today, Naoko and Maya work together to carry the family’s legacy forward, focusing on biodynamic and organic practices that respect the land and enhance the vineyard’s vitality.

Region and Vineyards

Situated on the eastern slopes of Napa Valley’s Oakville AVA, Dalla Valle’s 21-acre estate benefits from an optimal Mediterranean climate and unique, iron-rich volcanic soils. These conditions are ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, the primary varietals that thrive in the vineyard’s rocky, well-draining soils. The vineyard’s elevated location provides ample sunlight and cooling breezes, balancing the ripeness and acidity of the fruit.

Since transitioning to biodynamic farming practices, the vineyard has become a model for sustainable viticulture in the region. Each block of vines is carefully managed, with hand-harvesting and meticulous vine care that enhances the quality of the grapes. These practices result in wines with exceptional concentration, minerality, and a distinct sense of place.

Wine Range

Dalla Valle Vineyards is celebrated for its Cabernet Sauvignon, Collina, and Maya wines:

• Cabernet Sauvignon: A structured, age-worthy wine with rich, dark fruit, minerality, and polished tannins, embodying the power and elegance of Napa Valley Cabernet.
• Collina: An approachable, youthful red blend showcasing floral, dark fruit, and spice characteristics from the estate’s younger vines.
• Maya: The flagship wine and one of Napa’s most acclaimed blends, Maya combines Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc from the finest blocks. It is a highly structured, complex wine with extraordinary aging potential and is considered a collector’s wine for its rarity and reputation.

Did you know?

Dalla Valle’s Maya was one of the first California wines to earn a perfect score from renowned wine critics. This achievement highlighted the estate’s dedication to excellence and put Dalla Valle on the global map as a leader in premium wine production.