JJB: $114.94*
Dalla Valle is rapidly approaching old-guard status, just shy of four decades since they opened their doors, and despite the incredible number of changes happening in Napa, they pretty much do things in the same ultra-attentive, understated way to resounding success. With no tasting room, or glamorous, sprawling estate to wow visitors, the work here is clearly vineyard first, and their young vine cuvee, the ‘Collina’ is a more accessible expression of their house style. Given that Dalla Valle’s top cuvees are not only many times as expensive, but often unavailable outside of their mailing list, today’s ‘Collina’ is a particularly attractive Cabernet blend for the money.
For Vinous, Collina has been hailed as “a perfect example of what a second wine should be,” and more than a match for many flagships in Napa. Given that Dalla Valle’s flagship cuvees nabbed multiple 100pts in 2018, this release of ‘Collina’ is a pretty epic wine in its own right, and it proves that this indisputably world-class team is at the top of their game.
‘Collina’ translates to hillsides, and the rolling hills of their Oakville property reach modest elevations, and are carefully divided into distinct blocks, which are now biodynamically farmed. Andy Erickson (Screaming Eagle, Mayacamas) contributes to the winemaking alongside Maya Dalle Valle herself. A distinctive Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, ‘Collina’ is a wonderful look at this incredible vintage, made in a style that is delicious right out of the gate. Cheers!
94 points, Jeb Dunnuck: Always a red blend, the 2018 Collina is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc, and the balance Petit Verdot. This cuvée is always made in a more up-front, fresh, drinkable style compared to the Cabernet Sauvignon and Maya. Rich, mouth-coating currant, dark chocolate, dried herb, and graphite notes all emerge from this beauty, which is full-bodied and has a ripe, sexy texture, great tannins, and just an undeniably delicious style."
93 points, Vinous: "The 2018 Collina Dalla Valle is a flat out gorgeous wine. Racy and sumptuous to the core, the 2018 captures all of the natural radiance of this eastern sector of Oakville. Soft contours and silky tannins make the 2018 an absolute delight to taste today. Readers will have a very hard time finding a Napa Valley wine that delivers this much sheer pleasure for the money."
*Offer publication date August 27, 2021. Pricing and availability subject to change.