2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
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Tasting notes
Black cherries, dark loam and cassis appear on the nose of Dalla Valle's 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate, joined by hints of cedar and vanilla. It's medium to full-bodied, firm, tannic and sturdy but essentially ripe, with a softness to its structure that suggests early accessibility. The long, mocha-tinged finish lingers elegantly, a delicious capstone to a super wine.
Critic scores
Average Score
Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon is a solid step up, boasting a deep purple color as well as a brilliant bouquet of crème de cassis, graphite, liquid violets, and nicely integrated background oak. A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc, it hits the palate with medium to full body, ripe, polished tannins, and a great finish. It's up with the top wines I've tasted in the vintage.
Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon needs a lot of shaking and swirling to reveal youthfully subdued notes of crushed blackcurrants and black cherries with underlying hints of cast-iron pan, charcoal, wild sage, and pencil lead. Medium to full-bodied, the palate offers beautiful harmony and plenty of depth, featuring generous black fruit and earthy layers with firm, grainy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with great length.
The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon offers terrific density and power. Bright red-toned fruit, spice, leather, tobacco and rose petal are beautifully delineated. The 2020 is a bit lighter than usual, and the tannins are incisive, but at the same time all the elements are nicely balanced.
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.