2006 Maya

A blend of two-thirds Cabernet Franc and one-third Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2006 Maya reveals an exceptional bouquet of sweet blue and black fruits intermixed with notions of flowers, roasted herbs, and charcoal. Dense, full-bodied, and powerful, with superb richness, complexity, and potential, this is a super example of this Cabernet Franc-dominated wine. Surprisingly approachable now, it should evolve for 15-20+ years. Following a significant replanting, it is good to see this property come back so strongly. Both 2006s, which seemed closed last year, have performed far better this year. Moreover, it appears 2007 may be the greatest vintage at this estate since the mid-1990s classics such as 1994 and 1995. Tel. (707) 944-2676; Fax (707) 944-8411

(an 85/15 blend of cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc) Good medium ruby. Suave, claret-like nose offers black cherry, bitter chocolate, graphite, violet and cocoa powder. Lush, sweet, fine-grained and pure, with a distinct mineral element contributing energy to the middle palate. Fruity, primary and very stylish wine, finishing with a fine dusting of tannins that make the regular Napa Valley bottling seem a bit tough by comparison. The percentage of cabernet franc was so low, said proprietor Naoko Dalla Valle, because the team thinned the vines too much for fear that the fruit wouldn't get ripe and ultimately harvested a very small crop during one of the estate's latest harvests ever. Dalla Valle's top Maya vintages of the 1990s generally featured about 45% cabernet franc.

(an 86/14 blend of cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc) Good bright ruby. Highly perfumed aromas of dark berries, violet, spices and bitter chocolate. Wonderfully pure and intense, with an exhilarating light touch to the flavors of redcurrant, tobacco and iron. This really coats the palate with fruit yet leaves an almost weightless impression. The substantial dusty but ripe tannins arrive quite late, allowing the floral perfume to expand in the mouth. Really wonderfully ripe cabernet sauvignon here. With the 2005 and this 2006, Maya is back! Proprietor Naoko Dalla Valle noted that the team did a severe green harvest in 2006, "maybe too much," and that the fruit benefited from especially long hang time, having been harvested very late, in mid-October. This wine includes only a single block of cabernet franc replanted in 1999 (long-time fans of this classy blend will recall that the vintages of the '90s normally included 45% cabernet franc); a second block of replanted cabernet franc will be available for the Maya blend beginning with the 2008 harvest. There may also be a bit of petit verdot in the Napa Valley cuvee