Dalla Valle Maya 2020

Region and Vineyards

The Oakville AVA in Napa Valley is renowned for its warm days and cool evenings, allowing for balanced ripening and the development of rich flavors and aromas. The 2020 growing season began with dry conditions and a warm spring, followed by a summer of moderate temperatures that encouraged slow, steady maturation. The accelerated ripening in August led to an early harvest, yielding fruit of outstanding quality.

Maya’s Vineyard, from which this blend takes its name, is a unique parcel that consistently produces some of the estate’s finest Cabernet Sauvignon. The vineyard’s iron-rich soils contribute to the wine’s complexity and mineral character, while the elevation and orientation provide ideal sunlight and drainage.

Winemaking

The 2020 Maya is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Cabernet Franc, chosen from the finest lots to create a harmonious, structured wine. Each varietal is fermented separately, enhancing its individual character before being skillfully blended. The wine is then aged in French oak barrels, where it gains depth and complexity, integrating subtle spice notes and a smooth, polished texture.

The 2020 vintage captures the unique challenges and dedication of the vineyard team, resulting in a wine with remarkable balance and an elegant, powerful profile. The firm yet silky tannins contribute to a prolonged weight on the palate, ensuring the wine’s aging potential.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby with a dense, luminous core.
• Aroma: Aromas of frankincense, clove, and cedar greet the nose, evolving into delicate notes of Rainier cherry and lingonberry.
• Palate: Rich and structured, with flavors of red fruit layered over firm, silky tannins. The finish is long and elegant, leaving a lasting impression of spice and minerality.

Did you know?

The 2020 Maya blend represents the best of Dalla Valle’s dedication to excellence, crafted with fruit from Maya’s Vineyard, a site known for producing some of Napa Valley’s most distinctive and sought-after Cabernet Sauvignon.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb: The wine’s firm tannins and spice complement the richness of lamb, while herbs highlight its aromatic profile.
• Duck Breast with Cherry Sauce: The red fruit notes in the wine echo the cherry sauce, creating a harmonious pairing with duck’s savory richness.
• Aged Manchego Cheese: The nutty flavors of aged Manchego balance the wine’s structure and enhance its complexity.
• Wild Mushroom Risotto: Earthy mushroom flavors complement the wine’s mineral notes, while the creamy risotto softens its 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.