2016 Dalla Valle MDV Cabernet Sauvignon

Dalla Valle was founded in 1986 by Gustav and Naoko Dalla Valle, who purchased 21 acres on a plateau overlooking Oakville, in Napa Valley. They planted the vineyards in Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc and had their first harvest and crush in 1986. Since then the winery’s wines have become synonymous with quality and excellence. Dalla Valle produces a Cabernet Sauvignon Estate, and a very limited amount of a proprietary red named Maya, after the couple’s daughter. Maya usually contains 45-55% Cabernet Franc, and Robert M. Parker Jr., for one, has written that the finest Cabernet Franc in “the New World is from Dalla Valle’s vineyard.” Though Gustav Dalla Valle died in 1995, Naoko has continued to run the winery. Dalla Valle wines are generally available only through a mailing list. The average age of the vines is 14 years. Annual production of the Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is 2,000 cases. Annual production of Maya is 400 cases.

Oakville AVA is one of the two or three most prestigious appellations in the United States. Located in the heart of Napa Valley, its 5,000 vineyard acres produce some of the world’s most acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon, including such California “cult” Cabs as Screaming Eagle and Harlan Estate. Before those boutique producers rose to fame in the 1990s, Oakville was already renowned as home to Robert Mondavi, Opus One and Groth Vineyards, among others. Along with the famous wineries, there are premier vineyards in this AVA, including Martha’s Vineyard and To Kalon Vineyard. To Kalon was first planted in 1868 by H.W. Crabb, one of California’s first viticultural researchers, and he named the vineyard after the ancient Greek phrase for “most beautiful.” Though many grapes can be successfully grown in Oakville, Cabernet Sauvignon is king. Merlot and Chardonnay are also frequently planted. Oakville Cabs are prized for their richness, complexity and weight. Oakville was designated as an AVA in 1993.

One of the most widely grown grape varieties, it can be found in nearly every wine growing region. A cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. It’s a hardy vine that produces a full-bodied wine with high tannins and great aging potential.