2021 DVO Red | Napa Valley California 750ml

If Dalla Valle and Ornellaia embody the best of their respective traditions, DVO is a testament to a new expression of those elements. Old World elegance and New World freedom; Napa Valley and Tuscany; looking back while always looking forward: DVO is the alchemy of all those things and more, applied to Napa Valley fruit with magical results.

The 2021 DVO is a deep, rich garnet, showcasing its intensity and youthful vibrance. Delicate notes of sage emerge, intertwined with the subtle earthiness of slate and a whisper of hazelnut. The bouquet is inviting and complex, beginning with playful hints of fresh lingonberry and dried herbs. On the palate, this wine strikes a beautiful balance of lightness and depth. The initial taste is lively with bright lingonberry flavors, followed by the warmth of cacao nibs. The mid-palate reveals a firm structure, offering delicate, fine-grained tannins that provide a gentle grip. The wine's texture is captivating, as it gracefully captures the palate and envelopes through to the finish. The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a lasting impression of both playfulness and refinement. | DVO

...clocks in as 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Las Posadas Cabernet Franc, with the Cabernet Sauvignon coming from the Vine Hill, Oakville Ranch, and Collinetta in Coombsville. It has classic 2021 density and power in its full-bodied aromas and flavors of ripe black fruits, black olive, bouquet garni, and dark chocolate, and it's rich and powerful, with a great mid-palate and building tannins, all making for a serious, age-worthy wine. I was also able to taste a small sample of the 2022, which showed beautifully, but as it was only a tiny portion of the blend, it's tough to write a review. Nevertheless, if the sample is indicative of the final blend, this will unquestionably be worth your time and money... | 96-98 Jeb Dunnuck for jebdunnuck.com