Located on the famed eastern hillsides of Oakville, at elevations reaching 450 feet, it is a site that effortlessly straddles the line between a valley floor and a mountain vineyard. While a predominantly western aspect provides the vines plentiful sunshine, constant breezes off the San Pablo Bay bring a cooling influence that helps the grapes retain lovely natural acidity. Dalla Valle's distinctive mineral-rich volcanic soils provide excellent drainage and just the right amount of stress for the vines to yield profoundly complex and concentrated grapes. The vineyard is tended by a dedicated vineyard team, with a focus on winegrowing, as opposed to grape growing. In keeping with the sustainably minded, multigenerational approach that guides Dalla Valle, the vineyard has been farmed organically since 2007 and is Certified Organic by the CCOF. Beginning in 2019, the team has shifted to biodynamic farming.
TASTING NOTES:
As fans know, Maya comes from a very special section of the estate vineyard, situated in the valley's eastern foothills, below Pritchard Hill and in the above the Oakville floor, overlooking Screaming Eagle. The blend is two-thirds Cabernet Sauvignon and one-third Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2019 Maya slowly unfurls to reveal a firework display of redcurrant preserves, kirsch, boysenberries and wild blueberries, followed by iron ore, red roses, cardamom, fallen leaves and crushed rocks, with a waft of pencil shavings. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is stunningly graceful and refined, featuring exhilarating mineral sparks among the red and black fruits, finishing with so much brightness and energy. Breathtaking!
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 100 pts.
The clarity of fruit is so impressive with blackberry and blueberry aromas and so many violets. It’s full-bodied, yet tight and reserved, with very polished, strong tannins that are long and well-formed. There’s freshness and brightness, though. A cool and toned young red. Try after 2025.
- James Suckling, 98 pts.
