It is safe to say that Dalla Valle Vineyards has always been and remains one of the most influential and revered wines of the Napa Valley. The winery was founded in 1986 by Gustav and Naoko Dalla Valle, and over the last 3 decades, they have firmly established themselves as one of the greatest cult wines of all time. Behind Dalla Valle’s treasured and cellar-worthy wines are some of the most celebrated winemakers in the valley, including Heidi Barrett, Mia Klein, Philippe Melka, Andy Erickson, and now today, Gustav & Naoko’s daughter, Maya. The vineyards that make up this iconic estate are planted high in the deep, rich, red soils overlooking Oakville on the eastern hillsides of the Vaca Mountains. Their neighbors include Rudd Estate, Joseph Phelps’s Backus Vineyard, Screaming Eagle, and BOND’s St. Eden Vineyard, and there is no denying that this special corridor of Oakville is destined to create spectacular wines. The convergence of this red clay and gravelly, volcanic soils found throughout the AVA, combined with west-facing, sun-exposed vineyards planted on hillsides and a cooling marine influence, make for wines with intensely concentrated aromatics, pronounced minerality and a lively amount of fresh acidity. With a strong sense of place, we see the lush dark fruit character in these wines, with notes of smoke and gravel complementing the violets, herbs, and sweet tobacco leaves.
Collina, which means “hill” in Italian, was originally produced from the hillside estate’s young vines, but after decades of production, this wine stands all on its own and has earned its placement as the lovely companion to the more serious Dalla Valle Cabernet and Maya. The 2021 Collina is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Cabernet Franc and 10% Petite Verdot. This wine presents a deep, alluring garnet hue, displaying a radiant core suggesting both youth and promise. The bouquet opens poised elegance as ripe black cherries and cassis take the lead, accompanied by subtle fragrances of dark plums and blackberries, creating a harmonious symphony of dark fruit. Delicate notes of nuanced cedar and graphite add an alluring complexity to the aromatic profile. A refined entry of luscious black fruits-- blackberry, currants, and a hint of dark cherry-- unfolds seamlessly, supported by finely integrated, supple tannins. The wine exhibits a brilliant balance, showcasing a vibrant acidity that harmonizes the rich fruit profile and adds a layer of freshness, a continued testament to the terroir and the strength of the 2021 vintage.