2020 DVO

A very fine-tannined red with blackcurrants, blueberries and lead-pencil shavings. Medium to full body, silky tannins and a fresh, flavorful finish. Lovely now and can age in the future. Joint venture wine from Tuscany’s Ornellaia and Napa’s Dalla Valle. Drink or hold. (09/2022)

Coming from a collaboration between the team at Dalla Valle and Ornellaia in Italy, the 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon yet includes 7% Merlot, and this cuvée is sourced from throughout the valley. It's a brilliant 2020 that I'd be happy to drink. Cassis, darker currants, spicy wood, and chocolate all define the aromatics, and it has terrific purity and elegance. Full-bodied, concentrated, and textured, it has some building tannins that warrant short-term cellaring, but it should have two decades of longevity. (02/2023)

Loaded with scents of blueberries, black cherries and cassis underpinned by a framework of cedary oak, DVO's 2020 Red Wine is a 300-case blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Merlot aged 23 months in 60% new French oak. Full-bodied without being overly high octane, it shows admirable suppleness and ripe tannins. A blend of fruit from Oakville and Coombsville, it's almost creamy-rich in texture on the palate, then lingers elegantly on the lengthy finish. Nicely done!