DVO (Dalla Valle & Ornellaia) - Napa Valley 2021 (Pre-arrival) (750ml)
Price: $325.00
| Producer | DVO (Dalla Valle & Ornellaia) |
| Country | USA |
| Region | California |
| Subregion | Napa Valley |
| Varietal | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Sku | 9588 |
| Size | 750ml |
Vinous: 97 Points
The 2021 DVO is superb. Cabernet Franc plays a big role and that comes through loud and clear in the wine's aromatic and structural feel. Dark-toned fruit gravel crushed rocks pencil shavings and cloves all race across the palate. There's a bit more depth here than in the first vintages and that is very much to the wine's benefit. The 2021 will need some time to settle down but it is a hugely promising wine. DVO is the joint venture formed by the Dalla Valle family and Ornellaia. Early vintages showed the natural learning that takes place over time. The 2021 is the best DVO yet. It will be interesting to see where this project goes following the departure of Axel Heinz Ornellaia's long-time Estate Director in 2023. DVO has real potential but like any venture success requires time patience and investment. (Drink between 2027-2046)
Jeb Dunnuck: 96-98 Points
Not yet bottled the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon checks in as 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Las Posadas Cabernet Franc with the Cabernet Sauvignon coming from 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. It's also worth pointing out that 2022 will be the last vintage for collaborator Axel Heinz (previous at Ornellaia) as he moves into his new role as director for Ch teau Lascombes in Bordeaux.
Wine Spectator: 96 Points
This is distinctive from the start with notes of roasted apple wood cedar warm earth baker's chocolate and sweet tobacco leading off followed by a deep well of black currant blackberry and black cherry paste flavors. Flashes of flinty minerality peek in adding cut and energy as the finish rumbles along with a grippy terroir-driven feel. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2027 through 2045. 625 cases made.
Wine Advocate: 96 Points
DVO's 2021 Red Wine reverts to the roughly two-thirds Cabernet Sauvignon one-third Cabernet Franc formula that shaped the 2017 but it also includes about 5% Merlot (note: this is quite different from the blends from 2018?2020 which went heavier on Cabernet Sauvignon). Fruit sourcing includes Las Posadas (Howell Mountain) Oakville Ranch and Vine Hill Ranch (Oakville) and a site in Coombsville. The nose is charming and complex with notes of ripe blueberries and cassis joined by florals and a hint of licorice while the mouth is full-bodied plummy and rich. The long silky finish picks up a hint of dark chocolate yet it still remains fresh and immensely drinkable. Published: Jul 03 2024
