2020 Maya

Subtle yet transparent blackberry, black licorice and cassis bush. Some sage and lavender as well. Graphite, too. Full-bodied, yet tight and poised on the palate, with tight and refined tannins that are compact in the mouth. They are layered and run vertically down the wine. Turns nicely austere at the end. Very well done for the vintage. Give this three to four years to open up. (09/2022)

Even better, the 2020 Maya Proprietary Red Wine checks in as the usual blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Cabernet Franc, and it's another full-bodied example of this cuvée that has a brilliant core of both red and black fruits as well as dark chocolate, leafy tobacco, spring flowers, and a kiss of chalky minerality. Structured, concentrated, and perfectly balanced, it doesn't get any better in 2020. (02/2023)

The 2020 Maya is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple in color, it requires a lot of swirling and coaxing to summon up scents of creme de cassis, stewed black plums, and blueberry preserves, followed by hints of tar, crushed rocks, garrigue, and black truffles. The medium to full-bodied palate reveals an abundance of earth-laced black and blue fruits, supported by firm, grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing on a lingering ferrous note. (02/2023)

Features a cassis and black cherry fruit core flanked by a prominent tobacco note, with a loamy edge driving through as well. The slightly taut finish is underscored by alder and warm paving stone accents. Shows its Cabernet Franc side more than the Cabernet Sauvignon component. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2024 through 2035. 700 cases made.

- J.M.