2018 Dalla Valle Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

2018 Dalla Valle Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

2018 Dalla Valle Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley The initial impression of the 2018 wine is one of high energy, brightness, and ample structure. While not broad or massive, this vintage is incredibly flavorful, with appealing notes of red cherry, bramble, freshly baked bread, and Asian spices. It is mouthwatering on the entry, across the palate, and on the finish, which lasts for nearly a full minute. This is a wine that is generous and expressive right now, but, given the strength of its tannic backbone, will continue to develop and age for many years to come.

Dalla Valle Vineyards

Dalla Valle Vineyards overlooks the Napa Valley floor from a hillside terrace 400 feet above the Silverado Trail in Oakville. Since Gustav and Naoko Dalla Valle purchased the property in 1982 and began planting vines, this exceptional acreage has continually distinguished itself as the ideal site for producing some of the world’s finest wines, thanks to the perfect convergence of lingering sunlight, cooling marine influence and red volcanic soil.

Cabernet Sauvignon  

Cabernet Sauvignon is the world’s foremost red wine-grape variety. Though widely cultivated throughout the world, it is most commonly associated with the red wines of Bordeaux.

In the vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are small, thick-skinned and decidedly blue-colored, with a high pip-to-pulp ratio. Its thick skin results in wines of profoundly deep color, and the pips add a high level of tannin.

It ripens late, which is advantageous in warmer climates like Bordeaux, France and California. In colder growing environments, Cabernet Sauvignon can easily fail to ripen properly. Unripe Cabernet Sauvignon shows a lot of the aromas similar to unripe Cabernet Franc, notably a green or herbaceous character. This may not be entirely surprising, as Cabernet Sauvignon’s parents are Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc.

Cabernet Sauvignon’s flavors can vary from region to another. Cabernet Sauvignon produced in Bordeaux’s Margaux appellation varies considerably from one grown farther north in Pauillac, for example. The best Cabernet Sauvignon wines tend to have deep color, good structure and a full body. They are tannic in youth, especially when aged in oak, and often require a few years to soften before they become enjoyable to drink. Typical flavors may include black fruits like blackcurrant or blackberry, as well as fragrant cigar box, tobacco and coffee.