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95 RP. “Of all the extraordinary wines emanating from California in recent years, one of the most remarkable achievements must be the two cuvees of Cabernet Sauvignon made by Naoka and Gustav Dalla Valle, with the capable assistance of consulting winemaker, Heidi Barrett. Dalla Valle's Cabernet Sauvignon is a pure, unbridled expression of this varietal at its most powerful and concentrated. The proprietary red wine, named after the owners' daughter, Maya, is usually a blend of equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc (the greatest Cabernet Franc I have tasted in the New World). These are wines of immense stature and richness. It seems nearly impossible that one could pack so much intensity and flavor into a wine without either the wine or the tannin coming across as heavy-handed. Since 1990, all of the Maya offerings have possessed extremely well-integrated tannin and acidity. The 1993 Cabernet Sauvignon is more evolved than the 1992 or 1991 at a similar stage. It boasts a huge, chocolatey, grilled meat, herb, spice, vanilla, and cassis-scented nose, followed by outstanding depth, considerable muscle and richness, sweet tannin, and a deep, full-bodied, powerful finish.” Wine Advocate #102, Dec 1995 |