Dalla Valle Maya 2014

Region and Vineyards

Dalla Valle Vineyards is located in Napa Valley’s prestigious Oakville AVA, known for its warm, sunny climate and well-draining, rocky soils ideal for Cabernet. The 2014 vintage benefitted from a mild and sunny season, allowing for the development of fruit with ample concentration and well-rounded tannins. This vintage provided optimal conditions for ripening, leading to juicy flavors and balanced acidity across grape varieties.

The Dalla Valle estate vineyards, located on the eastern slopes of Oakville, have iron-rich volcanic soils that impart a distinctive mineral character and structure to the wine. Each vineyard block contributes unique elements, allowing for creative blending and enhancing the complexity of the Maya blend.

Winemaking

The 2014 Maya is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, crafted from the finest blocks of Dalla Valle’s vineyards. Each varietal was meticulously harvested and handled, with careful control over fermentation, pressing, and aging to capture the vineyard’s essence. Aging occurred in carefully selected barrels, allowing for the integration of flavors while preserving the wine’s purity and complexity.

This vintage is noted for its velvety tannins and highly structured profile, providing the wine with the ability to age gracefully for two decades or more. The result is a wine with intensity, depth, and a polished texture that promises longevity and continued development in the bottle.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep, dense ruby with an intense, almost opaque core.
• Aroma: Aromas of fresh Bing cherry, dried currant, and exotic spices, including cardamom, fenugreek, and hints of cocoa and cinnamon.
• Palate: Bold and muscular, with concentrated red fruit, fine-grained tannins, and a velvety mouthfeel. The finish is exceptionally long and carries a polished, seamless impression from start to finish.

Did you know?

The Maya blend is crafted to showcase Dalla Valle’s commitment to quality and terroir, consistently incorporating the estate’s best blocks of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The 2014 Maya will easily age for over 20 years, making it a collector’s wine for those who appreciate Napa’s finest expressions.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Braised Short Ribs with Star Anise: The wine’s exotic spice notes and structured tannins balance the richness of braised short ribs, while star anise complements its aromatic complexity.
• Roasted Duck Breast with Cherry Reduction: The bright cherry flavors in the wine harmonize with the cherry reduction, creating a balanced and savory pairing.
• Aged Parmesan or Gouda Cheese: The nutty and caramelized flavors of aged cheeses accentuate the wine’s depth and velvety finish.
• Wild Mushroom Risotto: Earthy mushrooms highlight the wine’s mineral qualities, while the creamy texture of risotto complements its polished tannins.

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.