2019 Maya Tasting Notes:
This jewel in the crown originates in the remarkable vineyard that shares its name. A proprietary blend aged in primarily new French oak, Maya showcases the site’s exceptional Cabernet Franc; it is graceful and alluring with an unmistakable pedigree. Fewer than 500 cases are produced.
Maya, named after founders Naoko and Gustav’s daughter, is a special blend of Maya’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon and our best selected blocks of Cabernet Franc.
60% cabernet sauvignon, 40% cabernet franc
"While the 2018 vintage may have been a tough act to follow, the 2019s standout as another classic, idyllic Napa Valley vintage to remember. A milestone into our history at Dalla Valle was made in 2019 as we dove into the world of Biodynamic farming. Our deep love and connection to this land inspired us to begin this journey, and we have not looked back since. The elements of energy and vibrancy show in the 2019 vintage. A cool winter and mild rainy spring replenished our vines and provided them with the energy to sustain the heat of summer and perfectly ripen in the fall.
Ever the philosophical wine, with every sip the 20I9 Maya reveals new layers of complexity and depth, invoking thoughts of a mysterious and intriguing destination. The firmness of the Maya's Cabernet is boosted and lifted by the black olive and dried herbal tones of the Cabernet Franc.
Boysenberry, crushed gravel, and violet come to the forefront before revealing deeper layers of black and blue fruits, lingering through an extended finish but at the same maintains an ethereal status that dances on the palate.”
100pts Jeb Dunnuck
"One of the finest wines in the vintage is the 2019 Maya Proprietary Red Wine, and red wine doesn’t get any better. The usual blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Cabernet Franc, its deep purple hue is followed by an incredible bouquet of blackcurrants, tobacco, dark chocolate, and crushed stone, which turns more floral, pretty, and complex with time in the glass. Full-bodied on the palate, it marries a rare sense of elegance and finesse with incredible intensity. It’s impossible to resist today yet merits at least 5-7 years of bottle age, and I have no doubt this beauty will still be enjoyable at age 50. Bravo!."
100pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
"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!"
98pts James Suckling
“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.."
96pts Wine Spectator
"Shows smoldering intensity, with a mix of mulberry, blackberry and black currant preserves that meld steadily with cast iron notes. A late flurry of violet and açaí adds more range, while the mineral aspect stays perfectly in its lane. Very long, with lovely flow.."