California
California is one of the most renowned wine regions in the world, known for producing exceptional wines that reflect the unique character of the region.
One of the most famous vineyards in California is the Napa Valley's Robert Mondavi Winery, which produces a range of high-quality red and white wines, including the Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, the Fumé Blanc Reserve, and the Chardonnay Reserve. The estate is committed to sustainable farming practices and is known for its focus on traditional winemaking techniques.
In California, there is also a strong focus on producing organic and biodynamic wines, with vineyards such as the Frog's Leap Winery and the Benziger Family Winery using these practices to produce exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region.
Overall, California is a region known for producing exceptional wines, with famous vineyards such as Harlan Estate, Dominus, Opus One, Screaming Eagle, Robert Mondavi and many others. With a focus on sustainable and organic farming practices, and a commitment to traditional winemaking techniques, wines from California are gaining increasing recognition and popularity among wine enthusiasts worldwide.
California
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Experience the rare, artfully crafted Coup de Foudre Lightening Bolt Cabernet Sauvignon 2018. Revered by wine connoisseurs globally, this California varietal incarnates the sublime terroir of the coveted Napa Valley region. Cultivated by the acclaimed Coup de Foudre Winery, known for their meticulous winemaking process and sustainable viticulture practices, it is a testament to the winemaker's passion and expertise. The wine is matured in distinct French oak barrels, lending it a complex structure.
This Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits a lavish bouquet of ripe plum and dark fruits, perfectly complemented by exquisite undertones of cloves, sage and dark chocolate. On the palate, it is sumptuously layered, boasting a sensual blend of robust tannins, vibrant acidity, and a lingering, velvety finish. The Coup de Foudre Lightening Bolt Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 promises an unparalleled wine experience, a harmonious symphony of artisan winemaking prowess and superior terroir expression.
Inc. VAT£881.09 -
Experience the exquisite flavour of Coup Foudre Bouquinistes 2017, an absolute gem from the enchanting vineyards of the famed Napa Valley. This masterful creation was fashioned with sublime precision by the talented vintners at Coup de Foudre Winery, a producer renowned for an unwavering commitment to quality and an artist's eye for nuance and balance. Its bouquet captivates instantly, luring the senses with notes of deep dark fruit and a whisper of spicy undertones that calls for exploration. Hand-harvested, the grapes are matured in French oak, bestowing a graceful complexity and texture. Effortlessly embodying the spirit of the region, Coup Foudre Bouquinistes 2017 is a harmonious marriage of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot, producing a profound palate of blackberry, cassis and mocha, an unmissable representative of its terroir. For the true connoisseur, savouring every sip of Coup Foudre Bouquinistes 2017 illuminates why Napa Valley wines continue to hold prestige in the global arena.
Inc. VAT£491.09 -
Fine wine connoisseurs would appreciate the exquisite Dakota Shy Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, a premier Napa Valley masterpiece. Respected winemakers, Todd Newman and Tom Garrett, combined their passion and knowledge to create Dakota Shy. The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon is a captivating representation of their dedication.
This wine is a harmonious blend of fruit from some of Napa Valley's most celebrated vineyards. Benefitting from the exceptional Californian climate, it exhibits an exciting interplay between sweet blackcurrant and savoury earthy tones, enveloped in a velvety-smooth texture.
The Dakota Shy Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 has undergone 22 months of ageing in some of the finest French Oak barrels, resulting in a wine of authentic grace and ageability. Enjoy the lingering finish featuring delicate spice notes, testament to the meticulous winemaking process.
This wine sets the bar for premium Napa Cabernet, making it a sophisticated choice for collectors and oenophiles.
Inc. VAT£1,309.78 -
The Dakota Shy Cabernet Sauvignon Ten 2014 is a faultless masterpiece hailing from the acclaimed Napa Valley vineyards of California. This bountifully complex wine is exquisitely crafted by Dakota Shy, a producer celebrated for their commitment to creating artisanal expressions of the region's distinctive terroir.
Richly layered, the Dakota Shy Cabernet Sauvignon Ten 2014 boasts an opulent bouquet of ripe blackberry, delicate violets, and subtle hints of vanilla bean, underpinned by an insistent minerality. Beyond the alluring nose, this beguiling wine unfolds with titillating fruits and smoothly integrated tannins cloaked in a velvety texture – a testament to its 21 months maturation in French oak barrels.
Its limited-production status further underscores its exclusivity, with a mere 285 cases made. True connoisseurs will relish the opportunity to savour this magnificent expression of Dakota Shy's immaculate Cabernet Sauvignon lineage. The Dakota Shy Cabernet Sauvignon Ten 2014 is an irresistible testament to the exceptional vitality of Napa Valley.
Inc. VAT£1,309.78 -
Immerse yourself in the utter elegance of the Dakota Shy Social Currency Cabernet Sauvignon 2014—a captivating symphony of deep, rich flavours. This exquisite specimen hails from Napa Valley, an authentic representation of traditional Californian winemaking. An opulent ensemble that showcases cassis, black raspberries, and refined hints of french oak, the wine is a testament to Dakota Shy, celebrated for its commitment to producing exceptional limited production red wines. This esteemed creation was nurtured with utmost precision, bearing a complexity that unfolds with time and exudes an enthralling richness. Expertly made by winemaker Todd Newman and vineyard manager Tom Garrett, this Cabernet Sauvignon displays a tasteful balance of ripe fruits, minerality, and supple tannins that persist through the long, engaging finish. Truly, the Dakota Shy Social Currency Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 offers a wine-drinking experience worthy of invested time and palpable appreciation. Please savour responsibly.
Inc. VAT£678.49 -
The Wine Independent (96+)
A blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon is deep garnet-purple colored. Vibrant black cherry preserves, black raspberries, and creme de cassis scents jump from the glass, followed by hints of lilacs, licorice, and dark chocolate with a touch of clove oil. The medium to full-bodied palate has gorgeous, velvety tannins and seamless freshness supporting the generous black fruit layers, finishing long and perfumed.Inc. VAT£1,117.24 -
Vinous (100)
The 2018 MDV is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the best of the Maya blocks. Inky, rich and explosive, the MDV possesses breathtaking elegance and beauty. Crème de cassis, graphite, lavender, mint and espresso all build in a sumptuous, layered Cabernet Sauvignon that dazzles from start to finish. Sadly, there are just five barrels of this magical Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon. The Dalla Valles only bottle the MDV in the very best years. Since its first release in 2013, it has become a clear reference point for Eastern Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon.Inc. VAT£1,570.93 -
Wine Advocate (100)
As stunning as this basic Cabernet Sauvignon is, the 2002 Maya, a proprietary blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Cabernet Franc, is pure perfection. It boasts an inky purple color as well as an extraordinary perfume of incense, black fruits, charcoal and forest floor. Full-bodied, with monumental intensity, a multidimensional texture/mouthfeel, and a stunning finish, this beauty reveals the brilliant quality of the Dalla Valle Cabernet Franc plantings meshed with their powerful Cabernet Sauvignon. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2040+.Inc. VAT£1,931.54 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
As good as it gets, yet in a different style compared to the also perfect 2016, the 2015 Maya Proprietary Red Wine boasts a sensational, ethereal, heavenly style to go with tons of cassis and blackberry fruits intermixed with notions of dried earth, tobacco, chocolate, and a beautiful sense of minerality. This cuvée is normally a blend of 60-70% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Cabernet Franc, and it’s the Cabernet Franc that gives it another layer of complexity and elegance. The sexy, upfront nature of the 2015 vintage is front and center. This is a magical wine to drink over the coming 3+ decades.Inc. VAT£1,479.62 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
The 2016 Maya offers another level of depth and density and is a truly special, magical wine. A blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon and 33% Cabernet Franc, it boasts off the chart notes of blackcurrants, Asian spices, lead pencil, chocolate, and incense. These all give way to a massively concentrated, rich, and powerful wine that nevertheless stays oh, so seamless, silky and pure, with a finish that goes on for minutes. Utterly profound in every way, this sensational wine hits every high point you could ever set for a glass of wine. it's one of the top 2-3 wines in this report. Hide bottles for 7-8 years and it will keep for 3-4 decades.Inc. VAT£1,490.83 -
Jeb Dunnuck (97+)
The tiny production 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Maya is another thrilling wine. The normal blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Cabernet Franc that was brought up in two-thirds new French oak, it offers a full-bodied, concentrated, yet sensationally elegant style as well as fab notes of crème de cassis, chocolate, graphite, and scorched earth. It’s a primordial example of this cuvée that has ripe tannins, a stacked mid-palate, and a great, great finish. Do your best to give bottles 4-6 years of bottle age.Inc. VAT£1,316.83 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
A smaller production cuvée from a single parcel of the estate vineyard, the 2018 Maya Proprietary Red Wine is the normal 60/40 split of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon brought up in a mix of new and used barrels. Incredibly perfumed with complex notes of blue fruits, flowers, loamy earth, graphite, and tobacco, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, polished, silky tannins, no hard edges, and a finish that won’t quit. While this is a rich, concentrated wine, it’s the complexity, elegance, and finesse that define this cuvée, which is going to benefit from just short-term cellaring and cruise for 2-3 decades.Inc. VAT£1,436.93 -
The Wine Independent (100)
A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Cabernet Franc, the 2019 Maya comes bounding out of the glass with exuberant scents of wild blueberries, Morello cherries, boysenberry preserves, and chocolate box, followed by hints of star anise, cardamom, and dusty red soil. Full-bodied, concentrated, and powerful, the tannins are firm yet velvety, while a remarkable burst of freshness lifts the decadent fruit. It finishes with an epically long mineral firework display. Dalla Valle’s Maya comes from a dedicated section of the estate vineyard, located in the valley’s eastern foothills, below Pritchard Hill, and above the Oakville benchlands, overlooking Screaming Eagle and Rudd vineyard.Inc. VAT£1,550.99 -
Vinous (91)
The 2017 Collina Dalla Valle is plump, juicy and absolutely delicious. Vibrant sweet red fruit and floral notes give the 2017 notable energy as well as verve. In 2017, the Collina is not quite as sensual or curvy as it can be, while the tannins show the nervous edge that so typical of the year. Time in bottle will help at least to some degree. Once again, Dalla Valle overdelivers with the Collina.Inc. VAT£846.04 -
Vinous (93)
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.Inc. VAT£799.33 -
Vinous (92)
The 2019 Collina Dalla Valle is supple, racy and beautifully perfumed. In 2019, the Franc lends quite a bit of aromatic brilliance. Crushed flowers, kirsch and sweet red berry fruit are all nicely lifted in this very pretty, perfumed red blend from Dalla Valle. The Collina is all class, as it always is. It is also a tremendous value in the world of high-end Napa Valley wines.Inc. VAT£902.69 -
Jeb Dunnuck (99)
Just about pure perfection, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Helms Vineyard comes from vines around the estate, just outside of Rutherford, which were planted in 1997. Sensational notes of crème de cassis, burning embers, bay leaf, and graphite all flow to a full-bodied 2015 that has a deep, layered, multi-dimensional texture that’s hard to describe. With building structure and a beautiful floral character that emerges with time in the glass, perfect balance, and a huge finish, this quintessential Napa Cabernet will benefit from a few years of bottle age and cruise for 3-4 decades. Bravo!Inc. VAT£1,205.77 -
James Suckling (99)
Sweet white chocolate with currant, plum and subtle hazelnut on the nose. Some other spices, such as nutmeg and cloves. Floral. Full-bodied with extremely fine tannins that go on and on. Beautiful center plate that is dense yet polished and fine and continues on. Exceptional. Fantastic finish. Drinkable now, but needs four or five years to show it’s true greatness.Inc. VAT£1,473.62 -
Vinous (97)
Dana's 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Hershey Vineyard is just as impressive as it has always been. The intense minerality and energy of Howell Mountain come through loud and clear in the wine's tension and overall drive. Crushed rocks, inky blue/purplish fruit, spice, lavender and menthol are all fused together. Vibrant, saline notes extend the finish nicely in this super-expressive, but young, wine. A dark, mysterious Cabernet, the 2014 has so much to say. Readers lucky enough to own it can look forward to 15-20 years of very fine drinking.Inc. VAT£1,089.00 -
Vinous (96)
Dana's 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Hershey Vineyard offers an attractive combination of the primary intensity of the year allied to the natural structure of Howell Mountain. Inky, deep and beautifully layered in the glass, the 2015 Hershey is super expressive today. Graphite, menthol, plum, lavender and pencil shavings add shades of nuance, and yet the intensity of the fruit dominates. I won't be surprised to see the 2015 grow even more in bottle. This is a terrific showing from the 2015 Hershey.Inc. VAT£1,050.49 -
Vinous (96)
Dana's 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Hershey Vineyard offers an attractive combination of the primary intensity of the year allied to the natural structure of Howell Mountain. Inky, deep and beautifully layered in the glass, the 2015 Hershey is super expressive today. Graphite, menthol, plum, lavender and pencil shavings add shades of nuance, and yet the intensity of the fruit dominates. I won't be surprised to see the 2015 grow even more in bottle. This is a terrific showing from the 2015 Hershey.Inc. VAT£1,587.14 -
Inc. VAT£1,713.85 -
Matthew Jukes (18+)
The Fifty Finest Wines 2020 I tasted a large number of Californian wines this autumn and I found many of the wines (whites and reds) over-oaked, sweet, far too high in alcohol and generally out of balance. So, when successful wines put their hands up it was very encouraging. This amazing Cabernet had the very traits I associate with exceptionally expensive Californian red wines and yet, when I discovered its price, I couldn’t believe it. I far prefer this cuvée to the ‘Reserve’, which is £55. The key to this wine’s success is its balance. Every element is in perfect harmony. The fruit is pure and resonant, the tannins are classy and there is no weird-tasting oak whatsoever. Profound balance + a delicious flavour = a mention in the Finest FiftyInc. VAT£512.47 -
Inc. VAT£517.27 -
Wine Advocate (92)
The 2018 Pessimist is a barrel sample blend of 62% Petite Sirah, 19% Zinfandel, 17% Syrah and 2% Lagrein. It is expected to age for 11 months in 50% new French oak. Opaque ruby-purple, it offers up tar, chargrill, turned black earth and blackcurrants with wafts of blackcurrant bud, dark chocolate, smoked meats and crushed red cherries. The medium to full-bodied palate has lifted flavor layers, a firm, grainy frame and long, spicy, fresh finish.Inc. VAT£527.38 -
Wine Advocate (92)
The 2018 Chardonnay opens with apple pie, baked quince, lemon curd and melon touches with notes of guava, dried hay, toast and a lovely underlying spiciness. Medium to full-bodied and rounded in the mouth, it has intense, ripe, savory fruits with honey-nut accents, lifted by mouthwatering freshness and finishing long.Inc. VAT£577.27 -
Jeb Dunnuck (98)
Also bottled the week before this tasting, the 2016 Soul of a Lion includes more Cabernet Sauvignon than the 2014 and 2015 and is 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc and the rest Petit Verdot. It’s an incredible achievement and has sensational notes of crème de cassis, graphite, violets, and lead pencil shavings. Made in a pure California, pedal-to-the-metal style, with full body and loads of fruit, it stays balanced, has ultra-fine tannins, and a layered, seamless style that just glides over the palate. Don’t think Paso Robles can make world-class Cabernet Sauvignon? Try this wine.Inc. VAT£605.32 -
Wine Advocate (97)
The 2017 Soul Of A Lion is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc and 8% Petit Verdot aged 22 months in 100% new French oak. It has a deep ruby-purple color and wonderfully unique expression, with scents of forest floor, underbrush, English breakfast tea, espresso, blackcurrant bud, dark chocolate and exotic flowers mingling over a core of perfectly ripe wild blackberries and Morello cherries, all complemented by a classy framing of new oak spices. The medium to full-bodied palate is slow to unfurl, with a frame like liquid silk and a very long finish that gives up layer after layer of nuanced flavors. Wow!Inc. VAT£848.42 -
Wine Advocate (97)
The 2017 Soul Of A Lion is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc and 8% Petit Verdot aged 22 months in 100% new French oak. It has a deep ruby-purple color and wonderfully unique expression, with scents of forest floor, underbrush, English breakfast tea, espresso, blackcurrant bud, dark chocolate and exotic flowers mingling over a core of perfectly ripe wild blackberries and Morello cherries, all complemented by a classy framing of new oak spices. The medium to full-bodied palate is slow to unfurl, with a frame like liquid silk and a very long finish that gives up layer after layer of nuanced flavors. Wow!Inc. VAT£1,057.24 -
Wine Advocate (97+)
The 2018 Soul Of A Lion is an incredible Cabernet Sauvignon, made exclusively from free-run juice, blended with 15% Cabernet Franc and 10% Petit Verdot and aged 22 months in 100% new French oak. Opaque ruby-purple in color, the nose opens slowly, segueing from graphite and tobacco leaves, to violets and blue fruit preserves, to cinnamon, potpourri and dark spices. The palate is seamless and cashmere-like, with expansive, pure, mineral-laced fruits enlivened by a burst of freshness that highlights the perfectly ripe fruit character this vintage. The finish is very long, offering violet perfume and iron tones that linger in the mouth. This is a gorgeous wine that combines unique personality with expert craftsmanship. It drinks well now but has all it needs for a long life in the cellar.Inc. VAT£552.74
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Experience the rare, artfully crafted Coup de Foudre Lightening Bolt Cabernet Sauvignon 2018. Revered by wine connoisseurs globally, this California varietal incarnates the sublime terroir of the coveted Napa Valley region. Cultivated by the acclaimed Coup de Foudre Winery, known for their meticulous winemaking process and sustainable viticulture practices, it is a testament to the winemaker's passion and expertise. The wine is matured in distinct French oak barrels, lending it a complex structure.
This Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits a lavish bouquet of ripe plum and dark fruits, perfectly complemented by exquisite undertones of cloves, sage and dark chocolate. On the palate, it is sumptuously layered, boasting a sensual blend of robust tannins, vibrant acidity, and a lingering, velvety finish. The Coup de Foudre Lightening Bolt Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 promises an unparalleled wine experience, a harmonious symphony of artisan winemaking prowess and superior terroir expression.
In Bond£715.00 -
Experience the exquisite flavour of Coup Foudre Bouquinistes 2017, an absolute gem from the enchanting vineyards of the famed Napa Valley. This masterful creation was fashioned with sublime precision by the talented vintners at Coup de Foudre Winery, a producer renowned for an unwavering commitment to quality and an artist's eye for nuance and balance. Its bouquet captivates instantly, luring the senses with notes of deep dark fruit and a whisper of spicy undertones that calls for exploration. Hand-harvested, the grapes are matured in French oak, bestowing a graceful complexity and texture. Effortlessly embodying the spirit of the region, Coup Foudre Bouquinistes 2017 is a harmonious marriage of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot, producing a profound palate of blackberry, cassis and mocha, an unmissable representative of its terroir. For the true connoisseur, savouring every sip of Coup Foudre Bouquinistes 2017 illuminates why Napa Valley wines continue to hold prestige in the global arena.
In Bond£390.00 -
Fine wine connoisseurs would appreciate the exquisite Dakota Shy Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, a premier Napa Valley masterpiece. Respected winemakers, Todd Newman and Tom Garrett, combined their passion and knowledge to create Dakota Shy. The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon is a captivating representation of their dedication.
This wine is a harmonious blend of fruit from some of Napa Valley's most celebrated vineyards. Benefitting from the exceptional Californian climate, it exhibits an exciting interplay between sweet blackcurrant and savoury earthy tones, enveloped in a velvety-smooth texture.
The Dakota Shy Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 has undergone 22 months of ageing in some of the finest French Oak barrels, resulting in a wine of authentic grace and ageability. Enjoy the lingering finish featuring delicate spice notes, testament to the meticulous winemaking process.
This wine sets the bar for premium Napa Cabernet, making it a sophisticated choice for collectors and oenophiles.
In Bond£1,053.00 -
The Dakota Shy Cabernet Sauvignon Ten 2014 is a faultless masterpiece hailing from the acclaimed Napa Valley vineyards of California. This bountifully complex wine is exquisitely crafted by Dakota Shy, a producer celebrated for their commitment to creating artisanal expressions of the region's distinctive terroir.
Richly layered, the Dakota Shy Cabernet Sauvignon Ten 2014 boasts an opulent bouquet of ripe blackberry, delicate violets, and subtle hints of vanilla bean, underpinned by an insistent minerality. Beyond the alluring nose, this beguiling wine unfolds with titillating fruits and smoothly integrated tannins cloaked in a velvety texture – a testament to its 21 months maturation in French oak barrels.
Its limited-production status further underscores its exclusivity, with a mere 285 cases made. True connoisseurs will relish the opportunity to savour this magnificent expression of Dakota Shy's immaculate Cabernet Sauvignon lineage. The Dakota Shy Cabernet Sauvignon Ten 2014 is an irresistible testament to the exceptional vitality of Napa Valley.
In Bond£1,053.00 -
Immerse yourself in the utter elegance of the Dakota Shy Social Currency Cabernet Sauvignon 2014—a captivating symphony of deep, rich flavours. This exquisite specimen hails from Napa Valley, an authentic representation of traditional Californian winemaking. An opulent ensemble that showcases cassis, black raspberries, and refined hints of french oak, the wine is a testament to Dakota Shy, celebrated for its commitment to producing exceptional limited production red wines. This esteemed creation was nurtured with utmost precision, bearing a complexity that unfolds with time and exudes an enthralling richness. Expertly made by winemaker Todd Newman and vineyard manager Tom Garrett, this Cabernet Sauvignon displays a tasteful balance of ripe fruits, minerality, and supple tannins that persist through the long, engaging finish. Truly, the Dakota Shy Social Currency Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 offers a wine-drinking experience worthy of invested time and palpable appreciation. Please savour responsibly.
In Bond£559.00 -
The Wine Independent (96+)
A blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon is deep garnet-purple colored. Vibrant black cherry preserves, black raspberries, and creme de cassis scents jump from the glass, followed by hints of lilacs, licorice, and dark chocolate with a touch of clove oil. The medium to full-bodied palate has gorgeous, velvety tannins and seamless freshness supporting the generous black fruit layers, finishing long and perfumed.In Bond£915.00 -
Vinous (100)
The 2018 MDV is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the best of the Maya blocks. Inky, rich and explosive, the MDV possesses breathtaking elegance and beauty. Crème de cassis, graphite, lavender, mint and espresso all build in a sumptuous, layered Cabernet Sauvignon that dazzles from start to finish. Sadly, there are just five barrels of this magical Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon. The Dalla Valles only bottle the MDV in the very best years. Since its first release in 2013, it has become a clear reference point for Eastern Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon.In Bond£1,290.00 -
Wine Advocate (100)
As stunning as this basic Cabernet Sauvignon is, the 2002 Maya, a proprietary blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Cabernet Franc, is pure perfection. It boasts an inky purple color as well as an extraordinary perfume of incense, black fruits, charcoal and forest floor. Full-bodied, with monumental intensity, a multidimensional texture/mouthfeel, and a stunning finish, this beauty reveals the brilliant quality of the Dalla Valle Cabernet Franc plantings meshed with their powerful Cabernet Sauvignon. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2040+.In Bond£1,600.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
As good as it gets, yet in a different style compared to the also perfect 2016, the 2015 Maya Proprietary Red Wine boasts a sensational, ethereal, heavenly style to go with tons of cassis and blackberry fruits intermixed with notions of dried earth, tobacco, chocolate, and a beautiful sense of minerality. This cuvée is normally a blend of 60-70% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Cabernet Franc, and it’s the Cabernet Franc that gives it another layer of complexity and elegance. The sexy, upfront nature of the 2015 vintage is front and center. This is a magical wine to drink over the coming 3+ decades.In Bond£1,225.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
The 2016 Maya offers another level of depth and density and is a truly special, magical wine. A blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon and 33% Cabernet Franc, it boasts off the chart notes of blackcurrants, Asian spices, lead pencil, chocolate, and incense. These all give way to a massively concentrated, rich, and powerful wine that nevertheless stays oh, so seamless, silky and pure, with a finish that goes on for minutes. Utterly profound in every way, this sensational wine hits every high point you could ever set for a glass of wine. it's one of the top 2-3 wines in this report. Hide bottles for 7-8 years and it will keep for 3-4 decades.In Bond£1,233.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (97+)
The tiny production 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Maya is another thrilling wine. The normal blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Cabernet Franc that was brought up in two-thirds new French oak, it offers a full-bodied, concentrated, yet sensationally elegant style as well as fab notes of crème de cassis, chocolate, graphite, and scorched earth. It’s a primordial example of this cuvée that has ripe tannins, a stacked mid-palate, and a great, great finish. Do your best to give bottles 4-6 years of bottle age.In Bond£1,088.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
A smaller production cuvée from a single parcel of the estate vineyard, the 2018 Maya Proprietary Red Wine is the normal 60/40 split of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon brought up in a mix of new and used barrels. Incredibly perfumed with complex notes of blue fruits, flowers, loamy earth, graphite, and tobacco, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, polished, silky tannins, no hard edges, and a finish that won’t quit. While this is a rich, concentrated wine, it’s the complexity, elegance, and finesse that define this cuvée, which is going to benefit from just short-term cellaring and cruise for 2-3 decades.In Bond£1,187.50 -
The Wine Independent (100)
A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Cabernet Franc, the 2019 Maya comes bounding out of the glass with exuberant scents of wild blueberries, Morello cherries, boysenberry preserves, and chocolate box, followed by hints of star anise, cardamom, and dusty red soil. Full-bodied, concentrated, and powerful, the tannins are firm yet velvety, while a remarkable burst of freshness lifts the decadent fruit. It finishes with an epically long mineral firework display. Dalla Valle’s Maya comes from a dedicated section of the estate vineyard, located in the valley’s eastern foothills, below Pritchard Hill, and above the Oakville benchlands, overlooking Screaming Eagle and Rudd vineyard.In Bond£1,283.00 -
Vinous (91)
The 2017 Collina Dalla Valle is plump, juicy and absolutely delicious. Vibrant sweet red fruit and floral notes give the 2017 notable energy as well as verve. In 2017, the Collina is not quite as sensual or curvy as it can be, while the tannins show the nervous edge that so typical of the year. Time in bottle will help at least to some degree. Once again, Dalla Valle overdelivers with the Collina.In Bond£689.00 -
Vinous (93)
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.In Bond£647.00 -
Vinous (92)
The 2019 Collina Dalla Valle is supple, racy and beautifully perfumed. In 2019, the Franc lends quite a bit of aromatic brilliance. Crushed flowers, kirsch and sweet red berry fruit are all nicely lifted in this very pretty, perfumed red blend from Dalla Valle. The Collina is all class, as it always is. It is also a tremendous value in the world of high-end Napa Valley wines.In Bond£733.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (99)
Just about pure perfection, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Helms Vineyard comes from vines around the estate, just outside of Rutherford, which were planted in 1997. Sensational notes of crème de cassis, burning embers, bay leaf, and graphite all flow to a full-bodied 2015 that has a deep, layered, multi-dimensional texture that’s hard to describe. With building structure and a beautiful floral character that emerges with time in the glass, perfect balance, and a huge finish, this quintessential Napa Cabernet will benefit from a few years of bottle age and cruise for 3-4 decades. Bravo!In Bond£995.00 -
James Suckling (99)
Sweet white chocolate with currant, plum and subtle hazelnut on the nose. Some other spices, such as nutmeg and cloves. Floral. Full-bodied with extremely fine tannins that go on and on. Beautiful center plate that is dense yet polished and fine and continues on. Exceptional. Fantastic finish. Drinkable now, but needs four or five years to show it’s true greatness.In Bond£1,220.00 -
Vinous (97)
Dana's 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Hershey Vineyard is just as impressive as it has always been. The intense minerality and energy of Howell Mountain come through loud and clear in the wine's tension and overall drive. Crushed rocks, inky blue/purplish fruit, spice, lavender and menthol are all fused together. Vibrant, saline notes extend the finish nicely in this super-expressive, but young, wine. A dark, mysterious Cabernet, the 2014 has so much to say. Readers lucky enough to own it can look forward to 15-20 years of very fine drinking.In Bond£901.00 -
Vinous (96)
Dana's 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Hershey Vineyard offers an attractive combination of the primary intensity of the year allied to the natural structure of Howell Mountain. Inky, deep and beautifully layered in the glass, the 2015 Hershey is super expressive today. Graphite, menthol, plum, lavender and pencil shavings add shades of nuance, and yet the intensity of the fruit dominates. I won't be surprised to see the 2015 grow even more in bottle. This is a terrific showing from the 2015 Hershey.In Bond£869.00 -
Vinous (96)
Dana's 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Hershey Vineyard offers an attractive combination of the primary intensity of the year allied to the natural structure of Howell Mountain. Inky, deep and beautifully layered in the glass, the 2015 Hershey is super expressive today. Graphite, menthol, plum, lavender and pencil shavings add shades of nuance, and yet the intensity of the fruit dominates. I won't be surprised to see the 2015 grow even more in bottle. This is a terrific showing from the 2015 Hershey.In Bond£1,313.00 -
In Bond£1,425.00
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Matthew Jukes (18+)
The Fifty Finest Wines 2020 I tasted a large number of Californian wines this autumn and I found many of the wines (whites and reds) over-oaked, sweet, far too high in alcohol and generally out of balance. So, when successful wines put their hands up it was very encouraging. This amazing Cabernet had the very traits I associate with exceptionally expensive Californian red wines and yet, when I discovered its price, I couldn’t believe it. I far prefer this cuvée to the ‘Reserve’, which is £55. The key to this wine’s success is its balance. Every element is in perfect harmony. The fruit is pure and resonant, the tannins are classy and there is no weird-tasting oak whatsoever. Profound balance + a delicious flavour = a mention in the Finest FiftyIn Bond£395.00 -
In Bond£399.00
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Wine Advocate (92)
The 2018 Pessimist is a barrel sample blend of 62% Petite Sirah, 19% Zinfandel, 17% Syrah and 2% Lagrein. It is expected to age for 11 months in 50% new French oak. Opaque ruby-purple, it offers up tar, chargrill, turned black earth and blackcurrants with wafts of blackcurrant bud, dark chocolate, smoked meats and crushed red cherries. The medium to full-bodied palate has lifted flavor layers, a firm, grainy frame and long, spicy, fresh finish.In Bond£401.00 -
Wine Advocate (92)
The 2018 Chardonnay opens with apple pie, baked quince, lemon curd and melon touches with notes of guava, dried hay, toast and a lovely underlying spiciness. Medium to full-bodied and rounded in the mouth, it has intense, ripe, savory fruits with honey-nut accents, lifted by mouthwatering freshness and finishing long.In Bond£449.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (98)
Also bottled the week before this tasting, the 2016 Soul of a Lion includes more Cabernet Sauvignon than the 2014 and 2015 and is 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc and the rest Petit Verdot. It’s an incredible achievement and has sensational notes of crème de cassis, graphite, violets, and lead pencil shavings. Made in a pure California, pedal-to-the-metal style, with full body and loads of fruit, it stays balanced, has ultra-fine tannins, and a layered, seamless style that just glides over the palate. Don’t think Paso Robles can make world-class Cabernet Sauvignon? Try this wine.In Bond£495.00 -
Wine Advocate (97)
The 2017 Soul Of A Lion is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc and 8% Petit Verdot aged 22 months in 100% new French oak. It has a deep ruby-purple color and wonderfully unique expression, with scents of forest floor, underbrush, English breakfast tea, espresso, blackcurrant bud, dark chocolate and exotic flowers mingling over a core of perfectly ripe wild blackberries and Morello cherries, all complemented by a classy framing of new oak spices. The medium to full-bodied palate is slow to unfurl, with a frame like liquid silk and a very long finish that gives up layer after layer of nuanced flavors. Wow!In Bond£699.00 -
Wine Advocate (97)
The 2017 Soul Of A Lion is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc and 8% Petit Verdot aged 22 months in 100% new French oak. It has a deep ruby-purple color and wonderfully unique expression, with scents of forest floor, underbrush, English breakfast tea, espresso, blackcurrant bud, dark chocolate and exotic flowers mingling over a core of perfectly ripe wild blackberries and Morello cherries, all complemented by a classy framing of new oak spices. The medium to full-bodied palate is slow to unfurl, with a frame like liquid silk and a very long finish that gives up layer after layer of nuanced flavors. Wow!In Bond£865.00 -
Wine Advocate (97+)
The 2018 Soul Of A Lion is an incredible Cabernet Sauvignon, made exclusively from free-run juice, blended with 15% Cabernet Franc and 10% Petit Verdot and aged 22 months in 100% new French oak. Opaque ruby-purple in color, the nose opens slowly, segueing from graphite and tobacco leaves, to violets and blue fruit preserves, to cinnamon, potpourri and dark spices. The palate is seamless and cashmere-like, with expansive, pure, mineral-laced fruits enlivened by a burst of freshness that highlights the perfectly ripe fruit character this vintage. The finish is very long, offering violet perfume and iron tones that linger in the mouth. This is a gorgeous wine that combines unique personality with expert craftsmanship. It drinks well now but has all it needs for a long life in the cellar.In Bond£451.00
