Dalla Valle Maya 2018

Region and Vineyards

The Maya 2018 comes from Dalla Valle’s estate vineyards located in the eastern hills of Oakville, Napa Valley. This area is known for its iron-rich, rocky soils, which provide excellent drainage and contribute a distinctive mineral quality to the wine. The Oakville AVA’s warm, sunny climate, tempered by cooling influences from the San Pablo Bay, allows for a slow, even ripening process. This climate is ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, yielding grapes with intensity and balance.

The Maya Block, a specific section of the vineyard known for producing consistently exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon, is central to this wine. Adjacent blocks of Cabernet Franc add complexity and structure, creating a blend that reflects the vineyard’s unique terroir. The vineyards are managed using organic and biodynamic practices, emphasizing sustainability and allowing the natural characteristics of the site to shine.

Winemaking

The 2018 Maya blend consists of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Cabernet Franc, both harvested in October at peak ripeness. The grapes underwent a natural fermentation process, followed by 22 months of aging in 100% new French oak barrels. This extended aging period enhances the wine’s complexity, lending it structure and subtle oak influence without overpowering the fruit.

Bottled without filtration or fining, the Maya 2018 is crafted with minimal intervention, allowing the wine’s natural expression and purity to come forward. The resulting wine is dense, polished, and highly expressive, with an impressive concentration that promises longevity and development with bottle age.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Dark garnet with a deep, opaque core.
• Aroma: Complex aromas of Bing cherry, clove, pencil lead, and gravel, accented by hints of bay leaf, vanilla, and subtle floral notes.
• Palate: Full-bodied and intense, featuring layers of black cherry, dark plum, and earthy minerality. The tannins are firm and refined, leading to a long, layered finish with notes of spice and crushed stone.

Did you know?

Maya is named after Naoko Dalla Valle’s daughter and reflects the highest expression of the estate. This blend consistently includes grapes from the Maya Block, known for producing Dalla Valle’s most compelling wines, with Cabernet Franc adding an exciting new dimension to each vintage.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Braised Short Ribs with Rosemary and Thyme: The richness of the short ribs and herbs pairs well with the wine’s robust structure and dark fruit notes.
• Rack of Lamb with Black Olive Tapenade: The wine’s tannic backbone and earthy minerality complement the savory depth of lamb and olive.
• Porcini Mushroom Risotto: The creamy risotto and earthy mushrooms enhance the wine’s complex layers of minerality and spice.
• Aged Gouda or Comté Cheese: The nutty, caramelized flavors of aged cheese balance the wine’s power and bring out its subtle vanilla and cherry notes.

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.