2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Dalla Valle

So much blackberry and lead-pencil shavings. Hints of tar, too. Full-to medium-bodied with extremely well-crafted tannins that run the length of the wine. Hints of oak at the end, but this will come together nicely with bottle age. Slightly chewy now. Some salted caramel. Better after 2026. (10/2022)

The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon is a solid step up, boasting a deep purple color as well as a brilliant bouquet of crème de cassis, graphite, liquid violets, and nicely integrated background oak. A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc, it hits the palate with medium to full body, ripe, polished tannins, and a great finish. It's up with the top wines I've tasted in the vintage. (02/2023)

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon needs a lot of shaking and swirling to reveal youthfully subdued notes of crushed blackcurrants and black cherries with underlying hints of cast-iron pan, charcoal, wild sage, and pencil lead. Medium to full-bodied, the palate offers beautiful harmony and plenty of depth, featuring generous black fruit and earthy layers with firm, grainy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with great length. (02/2023)