Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate saunters out of the glass with a seriously sexy nose of crushed blackberries, wild blueberries, kirsch and black cherries with touches of fragrant soil, cassis, tobacco leaf, candied violets and espresso. Medium to full-bodied, the palate positively quivers with an electric intensity of tightly wound black and red berry layers, framed by very firm, fine-grained tannins and delivering bags of freshness and perfume on the very long finish.- LPB

In most vintages, Dalla Valle's Cabernet is markedly more bright and red-fruited than the Maya blend. In 2016, the fruit profile of both is more symmetrical, bringing focus instead to their differing shapes. Here, the Cabernet strikes the sides of the palate with punchy acidity and seemingly endless energy. A decade away from showing more than its primary layers, but a brilliant showing of Oakville.

The two 2016 releases from Dalla Valle start with the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, a sensational wine that easily stands next to the smaller production Maya cuvée. This rocking base level Cabernet has awesome notes of blackcurrants, graphite, crushed rocks, chocolate, and damp earth/forest floor aromas and flavors. It's rich, powerful and concentrated, yet also elegant, with silky tannins and a finish where its class shows clearly. It's a beautiful bottle of wine that will have two decades or more of longevity.

A broad, ripe and showy style, with boysenberry, dark plum and black Mission fig fruit flavors that glide through, carried by creamy, polished structure. Light mocha, anise and fresh humus hints peek through on the finish, adding range. A big red, with a lovely feel. Best from 2020 through 2032. 900 cases made. — JM