1991 Dalla Valle Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley [label damage]

The 1991 Cabernet Sauvignon (88% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Cabernet Franc and Merlot) is an opaque, deeply saturated, purple-colored wine with a super sweet, pure nose of black-cherries, cassis, minerals, and vanilla. The wine possesses exceptional richness, full body, ripe tannin, and a blockbuster finish. Approachable now, it promises to evolve for two decades. 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. (RP) Reviewed December 1994