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Tasting notes
Slow, steady reveal to the aromatics, cocoa bean, espresso, luscious, velvety tannins, tobacco leaf and cigar, still young and generous. 70% new oak. Tony Soter and Mia Klein winemakers, Andy Erikson viticulturalist, with the vineyard fully replanted at this time, following a programme begun in 2003. Organic conversion underway.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2009 Maya Proprietary Red Wine displays a deep garnet-purple color, exploding with notes of rose hip tea, dried lavender and candied violets over a core of raspberry preserves, blackberry pie and redcurrant jelly plus suggestions of spice cake, tobacco and forest floor. Full-bodied, concentrated and boldly fruited, the palate is beautifully lifted with racy freshness and supported with a very fine-grained frame, finishing long and incredibly poised.
Bright, saturated ruby to the rim. Black fruit and baking spice aromas are complicated by deeper, musky soil-driven minerality. Enters the mouth thicker than the Napa Valley bottling but maintains its shape and definition through to the finish. Lovely integrated acidity gives verve and definition to the dark berry, spice and graphite flavors, with notes of violet and tropical dark chocolate contributing to the overall impression of energy. Really stains the palate and resounds on the aftertaste, with the granular, building tannins ultimately sweeter than those of the Napa Valley version. Outstanding depth of flavor here.
Bright, saturated ruby to the rim. Black fruit and baking spice aromas are complicated by deeper, musky soil-driven minerality. Enters the mouth thicker than the Napa Valley bottling but maintains its shape and definition through to the finish. Lovely integrated acidity gives verve and definition to the dark berry, spice and graphite flavors, with notes of violet and tropical dark chocolate contributing to the overall impression of energy. Really stains the palate and resounds on the aftertaste, with the granular, building tannins ultimately sweeter than those of the Napa Valley version. Outstanding depth of flavor here.
About the producer
Dalla Valle Vineyards was founded in 1986 by Naoko and her late husband Gustav Dalla Valle, in Oakville. Initially they had wanted to create a luxury resort, but when they discovered the potential of the site, they changed tack and decided to make wine.