{"title":"Dalla Valle","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"dalla-valle-maya-proprietary-red-1998","title":"Dalla Valle Maya Proprietary Red 1998","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDalla Valle Maya Proprietary Red 1998\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 750ml bottle of cult Napa Valley Bordeaux-style red wine at 14.6% ABV, blending Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc from one of California's most sought-after estates. This vintage earned 95 points from Wine Advocate and 93 points from Wine Spectator, cementing its reputation as one of the finest expressions from a legendary 1990s run of Maya bottlings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 14.6%  |  Origin: Napa Valley, California  |  Vintage: 1998  |  Producer: Dalla Valle Vineyards\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDalla Valle Vineyards occupies a prized hillside site in the eastern reaches of Napa Valley, where volcanic soils and warm exposures produce intensely concentrated fruit. Maya — the estate's flagship cuvée, named for the owners' daughter — is a Bordeaux-style blend composed of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Cabernet Franc, sourced from Maya's Vineyard and the estate's best selected blocks of Cabernet Franc. Only 500 cases of the 1998 vintage were produced, placing it among the most limited and collectible wines in the Napa Valley canon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Expressive and layered from the moment the wine hits the glass. Initial waves of stewed cherry, cassis, and blackberry preserves give way to more nuanced threads of menthol, pencil lead, pine, and dried herbs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is dark, ripe, and richly textured, with a persistent beam of black cherry, blackberry, and currant that drives through the mid-palate. Anise, sage, and subtle floral tones emerge as the wine unfolds, supported by sweet, integrated tannin and multiple layers of fruit. The full-bodied palate is taut and muscular, with densely laden black fruits and no trace of herbaceousness or astringency.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long and earthy, with firm, grainy tannins providing structure well beyond the final sip. Lingering notes of plum, chocolate, leather, and dried sage slowly resolve into a quiet mineral undertone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Maya 1998\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA wine of this age and stature is best served at 62–65°F in a large-bowled Bordeaux glass. Decanting for 60 to 90 minutes allows the complex aromatics to fully develop without losing the delicate tertiary notes that a quarter-century of bottle age has introduced. This is a wine to drink neat — no cocktail application is appropriate — and pairing it with food should complement rather than compete with its intensity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCellaring as a benchmark example of late-1990s Napa Valley winemaking\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a serious wine collector or cult-Cabernet enthusiast\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnchoring a vertical tasting of Maya vintages from the 1990s\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with a special dinner featuring prime cuts of aged beef or braised short ribs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Maya 1998 taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Maya 1998 delivers a rich, multi-layered profile of black cherry, blackberry, and currant, interwoven with anise, sage, chocolate, and earthy undertones. The tannins are sweet and well-integrated, giving the wine a muscular yet refined structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Maya 1998 compare to Screaming Eagle?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both wines share roots in Napa Valley's cult-wine movement and connections through winemaker Heidi Barrett, but they differ in composition — Maya is roughly half Cabernet Franc, giving it a more aromatic, herbal dimension, while Screaming Eagle is predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon with a rounder, more opulent fruit profile. Maya's 500-case production is comparably tiny, though Screaming Eagle typically commands higher secondary-market prices.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Maya 1998 good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Absolutely — this is a wine designed for contemplative drinking, ideally after a thorough decant. Its layered complexity and evolved tannin structure reward slow, attentive sipping.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Maya 1998 made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Maya is produced at Dalla Valle Vineyards, located on the hillsides of Napa Valley in Napa County, California. The estate's elevated vineyard sites on the eastern side of the valley contribute to the concentrated fruit and firm structure that define the wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Maya 1998?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled bone-in ribeye complements the wine's dark fruit and tannin structure. Braised lamb shanks with rosemary echo its herbal and earthy notes. Aged hard cheeses such as Parmigiano-Reggiano or aged Gruyère mirror the wine's savory complexity. Dark chocolate with a high cacao percentage (70%+) aligns with the chocolate and berry finish. Mushroom risotto with truffle oil highlights the wine's earthy, tertiary character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Maya 1998 come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The Dalla Valle Maya 1998 was released in the standard 750ml bottle format.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Maya 1998 worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Maya positions squarely in the ultra-premium tier of Napa Valley collectibles, with secondary-market pricing reflecting its cult status, critical acclaim, and extremely limited 500-case production. For collectors seeking benchmark 1990s Napa Cabernet blends with proven aging potential and top-tier scores, it represents a credible investment-grade bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Maya 1998?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 1998 vintage of Maya stands out for its combination of critical recognition — 95 points from Wine Advocate, 93 from Wine Spectator — and vanishingly small production of just 500 cases. Its nearly equal split of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc gives it an aromatic complexity and structural profile that few Napa Valley wines attempt, let alone achieve. More than two decades after release, this bottling remains a reference point for what hillside Napa fruit can accomplish in the hands of a meticulous estate, and surviving bottles in good condition are increasingly rare on the secondary market.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dalla Valle","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837455495337,"sku":"6445","price":299.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Dalla_Valle_Maya_Proprietary_Red_1998__62897.jpg?v=1730482879"},{"product_id":"dalle-valle-cabernet-sauvignon-1998","title":"Dalle Valle Cabernet Sauvignon 1998","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDalla Valle Cabernet Sauvignon 1998\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 750ml hillside-grown Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from the eastern slopes of Oakville, California. Rated 93 points by Robert Parker and 91 points by Wine Spectator, this vintage comes from one of Oakville's most respected estate producers, where volcanic soils and extremely low yields of roughly 1.5 tons per acre drive concentration and complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e Origin: Oakville, Napa Valley, California  |  Vintage: 1998  |  Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon with Cabernet Franc  |  Producer: Dalla Valle Vineyards\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDalla Valle Vineyards sits on the famed eastern hillsides of Oakville at elevations reaching 450 feet, where mineral-rich volcanic soils provide excellent drainage and precisely the vine stress needed for deeply concentrated fruit. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel vats, followed by malolactic fermentation in French oak; the wine then ages in an average of 70% new French oak barrels. The 1998 follows the estate's longstanding practice of blending a small fraction of Cabernet Franc into the dominant Cabernet Sauvignon, a structural choice that adds aromatic lift and mid-palate texture to the finished wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e With over two decades of bottle age, expect a bouquet that has evolved well beyond primary fruit. Layers of dried dark fruit, tobacco leaf, cedar, and earthy mineral notes are consistent with the estate's volcanic terroir and extended French oak maturation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is measured and refined, typical of well-aged Napa hillside Cabernet. Mid-palate weight reflects the estate's low yields, while the Cabernet Franc component contributes a savory, herbal dimension. Tertiary flavors of leather, dried herb, and iron-tinged minerality build through the palate.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The structure of hillside tannins and quality French oak provides a long, drying finish. Lingering notes of graphite, dried fruit, and subtle oak spice persist well after each sip.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Dalla Valle 1998\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA wine of this age and pedigree is best served neat in a large-bowled Bordeaux glass at 60–65°F, with at least 30 minutes of decanting to let the evolved aromatics open fully. Cocktail use is not recommended—this is a library-vintage Napa Cabernet that rewards contemplative, unhurried sipping.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a serious Napa Valley collector marking a milestone from 1998\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnchoring a vertical tasting of Dalla Valle vintages\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with a special-occasion steak or lamb dinner\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdding a benchmark aged Oakville Cabernet to a cellar portfolio\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Dalla Valle 1998 taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e At over 25 years of age, this wine shows the hallmarks of mature hillside Napa Cabernet: dried dark fruit, tobacco, cedar, leather, and pronounced minerality derived from the estate's volcanic soils.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Dalla Valle compare to Screaming Eagle?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both estates are situated on Oakville's eastern hillsides and famously shared winemaker Heidi Barrett, whose work at each property earned multiple 100-point scores from Robert Parker. Dalla Valle tends to emphasize structured minerality from its volcanic soils, while Screaming Eagle is known for its plush, opulent fruit profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Dalla Valle 1998 good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Absolutely—this is a library-vintage wine designed for quiet, focused tasting, ideally after gentle decanting to allow its complex tertiary aromas to emerge fully.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Dalla Valle made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Dalla Valle Vineyards is located on the eastern hillsides of Oakville in Napa Valley, California, at elevations reaching 450 feet above the valley floor.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Dalla Valle 1998?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled or roasted lamb chops complement the wine's earthy, herbal notes. Dry-aged ribeye steak matches its tannic structure. Braised short ribs echo its savory depth. Aged hard cheeses such as Parmigiano-Reggiano or aged Gouda mirror its complexity. Simple roasted root vegetables with herbs provide a lighter pairing that lets the wine remain the focal point.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Dalla Valle Cabernet Sauvignon come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format for this vintage.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Dalla Valle 1998 worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Dalla Valle positions firmly in the premium-to-collectible tier of Napa Valley Cabernet, recognized alongside the valley's most elite hillside estates. A 93-point Robert Parker score and the estate's limited production support its standing as a serious collector wine with strong secondary-market demand.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Dalla Valle 1998?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDalla Valle Vineyards occupies a rarefied position among Oakville's hillside estates, producing Cabernet Sauvignon from volcanic soils at yields averaging just 1.5 tons per acre—far below the Napa Valley norm. The 1998 vintage earned 93 points from Robert Parker, confirming its quality within a portfolio that has achieved perfect 100-point scores on multiple occasions. Sharing a winemaker pedigree with Screaming Eagle during this era adds historical significance to every bottle. For collectors seeking aged Oakville Cabernet with genuine terroir identity and documented critical acclaim, the 1998 stands as a compelling library release.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dalla Valle","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837594497193,"sku":"304","price":99.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Dalle-Valle-Cabernet-Sauvignon-1998__33130.jpg?v=1730487650"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/dalla-valle.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}