Once again, this esteemed Cabernet blend impresses with seriously delicious, dark fruit and velvety smooth tannins that remind us of far pricier red wines. The bouquet boasts captivating aromas of baking cocoa and pipe tobacco that lead to seductive layers of fruit complimented by seamlessly integrated French oak.  Intensely satisfying hints of savory spices and vanilla linger on the creamy finish and meld together harmoniously for a dream pairing with an array of menus (especially grilled meat dishes) now through 2030. This relative bargain may be enjoyed tonight (decant 1⁄2 hour) and merits a 96+ rating now and will earn 97+ points over the next decade in our judgement.

The Winery

From Dalla Valle: 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.