Dalla Valle, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2019

Few estates capture the magic of Napa Valley’s eastern hills like Dalla Valle, where meticulously farmed vineyards produce wines of both power and poise. The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from the estate’s iron-rich volcanic soils, is a perfect reflection of this balance—bold yet finely detailed, built for long-term aging yet already showing remarkable elegance. The vintage, marked by a long, even growing season, allowed for exceptional depth without excess weight. Blackcurrant, plum, and blueberry form the wine’s core, with layers of graphite, cedar, and dried herbs adding complexity. The tannins are firm yet polished, framing the wine’s richness without overshadowing its freshness. While built for the cellar, with at least two decades of evolution ahead, a long decant now reveals its layered beauty. A benchmark Napa Cabernet, best paired with equally grand meals—think dry-aged steak, slow-braised short ribs, or even a simple evening dedicated to savoring great wine.