The 2019 Dalla Valle Maya Proprietary Red Wine is a standout offering from the renowned Dalla Valle winery in Napa, California. This proprietary blend, predominantly composed of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, is notable for its deep garnet-purple hue and an alcohol content of 14.8%. It features a cork closure, preserving the wine's integrity and aging potential.
James Suckling, from jamessuckling.com, awarded the wine an impressive score of 98, praising its "clarity of fruit" and "blackberry and blueberry aromas." He describes it as "full-bodied, yet tight and reserved, with very polished, strong tannins that are long and well-formed." He adds that there’s a remarkable "freshness and brightness," suggesting it would be best to "try after 2025."
Jeb Dunnuck from jebdunnuck.com gives the highest praise, scoring it a perfect 100. Dunnuck calls it "one of the finest wines in the vintage" and states, "red wine doesn’t get any better." He highlights the "incredible bouquet of blackcurrants, tobacco, dark chocolate, and crushed stone," which evolve into more "floral, pretty, and complex" notes. Dunnuck emphasizes its "rare sense of elegance and finesse with incredible intensity," recommending it for both immediate enjoyment and long-term aging potential.
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate also granted the wine a perfect 100 score. The review describes it as having a "firework display of redcurrant preserves, kirsch, boysenberries and wild blueberries," with additional notes of "iron ore, red roses, cardamom, fallen leaves and crushed rocks." The palate is "stunningly graceful and refined," finishing with "so much brightness and energy." The reviewer asserts it is "breathtaking."
Decanter magazine, giving it a 95 score, describes the wine as "heady and seductive," with "silky but grippy tannins, liquorice and herbal spice with dark chocolate covered blackcurrants." The review notes that the wine is "unashamedly confident" and "wows on the palate."
Antonio Galloni from Vinous also gives high marks, scoring it 98. Galloni remarks on the wine's "sheer immediacy and allure," praising its "purity of the flavors." He also highlights its "bright red/purplish fruit, spice, blood orange, mocha and mint," and notes the impressive tannin structure "is nearly buried by the sheer intensity of the fruit."
Finally, Wine Spectator rates the wine at 96, noting its "smoldering intensity" and a blend of "mulberry, blackberry and black currant preserves." The review mentions a "late flurry of violet and açaí," and adds that the mineral aspect "stays perfectly in its lane," recommending it best from 2023 through 2040.
In summary, the 2019 Dalla Valle Maya Proprietary Red Wine is a highly acclaimed blend with exceptional reviews, showcasing a complex and refined profile, making it a notable choice for both immediate enjoyment and long-term cellaring.