2021 Dalla Valle MDV
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Tasting notes
Lastly, and another perfect wine, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon MDV is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Maya Block that was brought up in four new barrels. It's not far from the classic Cabernet Sauvignon from this estate, if not a touch darker and yet more elegant at the same time. Blackberries, currants, smoked tobacco, liquid violets, and new leather are just some of the nuances here, and it hits the palate with a deep, layered, incredibly elegant mouthfeel, ample tannins, and an incredible finish. The purity, finesse, and elegance paired with this level of concentration is something to behold. Hide bottles for at least a decade, count yourself lucky, and enjoy bottles over the following half century.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
There are 125 cases of the 2021 MDV, a Cabernet Sauvignon drawn from the portion of the vineyard that makes up the Cabernet Sauvignon component of Maya. It's an outstanding effort, with just a hint of cedar accenting black cherries and cassis on the nose. The texture of this full-bodied wine is gorgeous—velvety and plush. It may not have quite the complexity or complete structure of the 100-point 2021 Maya, but it's still terrific stuff—long, composed and elegant on the finish.
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon MDV is a small bottling of just the Maya Cabernet blocks. It shows a bit more opulence and richness of fruit and overall density than the rest of the wines. I find the differences between the MDV and Maya more stylistic than about quality. I confess I prefer the Maya a bit more in this vintage, but this is unquestionably a fabulous wine. I can't wait to see how it ages.
About the producer
Dalla Valle Vineyards was founded in 1986 by Naoko and her late husband Gustav Dalla Valle, in Oakville. Initially they had wanted to create a luxury resort, but when they discovered the potential of the site, they changed tack and decided to make wine.