One of Dalla Valle's more intriguing projects is the European/American blend of Sangiovese (purchased from a Chianti estate in Tuscany) and Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc from the estate's vineyards. I usually deplore these efforts as crude marketing gimmicks, but the Dalla Valley N.V. Pietre Rosse is so good I have to give the proprietor credit for putting together a lovely, full-bodied, spicy, enticing wine with plenty of Sangiovese character buttressed by the sweet black fruit character of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. This wonderfully pure wine is reminiscent of a luxury priced Italian Vino da Tavola. Although soft and delicious, it possesses the backbone and stuffing necessary to last for 5-6 years. Dalla Valle has propelled itself into the top echelon of California Cabernet Sauvignon and proprietary red wines. The owners, Gustave and Naoko Dalla Valle, are admirably supported by winemaker Heidi Barrett (the wife of winemaker/proprietor Bo Barrett of Chateau Montelena). This team is producing awesomely concentrated wines from their 25-acre hillside vineyard overlooking the Napa Valley floor. There is no secret to their success. The wines are made from fully ripened fruit, and are neither excessively processed nor handled. There are only 2,000 cases of the Cabernet Sauvignon. The microscopic production of Dalla Valle's proprietary red wine, Maya (named after the proprietors' daughter), usually contains between 45-55% Cabernet Franc. I am not overstating the case by saying that the finest Cabernet Franc I have tasted in the New World is from Dalla Valle's vineyard. Tel. (707) 944-2676; Fax (707) 944-8411.
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