Dalla Valle 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa – 97 Points

Robert Parker 97 Points: “Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate saunters out of the glass with a seriously sexy nose of crushed blackberries, wild blueberries, kirsch and black cherries with touches of fragrant soil, cassis, tobacco leaf, candied violets and espresso. Medium to full-bodied, the palate positively quivers with an electric intensity of tightly wound black and red berry layers, framed by very firm, fine-grained tannins and delivering bags of freshness and perfume on the very long finish..”

Jeb Dunnuck 96 Points: “The two 2016 releases from Dalla Valle start with the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, a sensational wine that easily stands next to the smaller production Maya cuvée. This rocking base level Cabernet has awesome notes of blackcurrants, graphite, crushed rocks, chocolate, and damp earth/forest floor aromas and flavors. It’s rich, powerful and concentrated, yet also elegant, with silky tannins and a finish where its class shows clearly. It’s a beautiful bottle of wine that will have two decades or more of longevity..”

Vinous 96 Points: “The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) shows the polished side of the vintage off to great effect. Bright and nuanced on the palate, with terrific energy, the 2016 is super-expressive, even in the early going. Bright red cherry, raspberry jam, mocha, spice and sweet tobacco build in the glass, but it is the wine’s overall poise and balance that stand out most. The 2016 is a wine of finesse more than power. I would prefer to give it a few years in bottle to come together, but it is stunning, even in the early going..”