| Region of production: | Oakville AVA, Napa Valley |
| Winery Location: | Oakville |
| Year Established: | 1982 |
Vineyard Holdings
10 ha
Top Wines Produced & Inaugural Vintages
- Dalla Valle Cabernet Sauvignon: Inaugural vintage 1986.
- Maya: Cabernet Sauvignon with up to 50% Cabernet Franc. Approximately 500 cases produced. Inaugural vintage 1988 (not prouced in 2003 or 04 due to replanting).
- Collina Dalla Valle: Cabernet-based blend. Inaugural vintage 2007.
Average Total Production
- 36,000 bottles
Summary
Gustav and Naoko Dalla Valle purchased their tiny estate in the red rock-strewn hills of eastern Oakville AVA (400 ft. elevation) in 1982, and winemaker Joe Cafaro produced the estate’s first Cabernet Sauvignon for the 1986 vintage. Superstar winemaker Heidi Peterson Barrett replaced Cafaro after the first few vintages. Gustav died in 1995, and Naoko promptly fired Peterson Barrett in favor of Mia Klein. In 2006 current winemaker Andy Erickson (with Michel Rolland as consultant) came on board. Dalla Valle’s signature wine, „Maya,“ named after Naoko’s daugther, fetches prices on par with other cult superstars, and is produced from Cabernets Sauvignon and Franc from a 6-acre parcel on the property. A young vine selection, „Collina,“ was added in 2007; a Sangiovese produced in the ’90s („Pietre Rosse“) was phased out by 2001.
Style & Vinification Techniques
The drill here is low yields and meticulous attention to detail. New French oak usage hovers around 75-85% for Maya; the estate Cabernet will not see more than 60% new wood.
Producer Website: Dalla Valle