Winemaker Notes
MDV is a special bottling that shines a light on the very best Cabernet Sauvignon grown on our hillside estate. We identify a small number of barrels from the "Maya Block" of Cabernet Sauvignon and bottle it in its pure varietal form. Comprised of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, it is only bottled in exceptional vintages, and highlights the power and intensity of our special terroir. The first notable observation of the 2018 MDV is that the color of the wine is solidly opaque, dark black-purple. This is indicative of the density of the wine, which is very impressive. On the nose, in addition to cassis and black currant, come unrestrained aromas of vanilla bean, nutmeg, burnt caramel, and anise. On the palate, the wine is at once compact and generous, landing on the palate on a narrow path, and then spreading and expanding in intensity, unfurling and revealing more as the minutes go by. This is only the third offering of MDV in the last decade, which tells you how special this vintage is.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
The first time I’ve tasted this cuvée, which is only made in top years, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon MDV is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Maya’s Block and there are a scant five barrels produced. The cuvée was first made in 1999 as an auction lot, and since then they’ve produced the wine in 2013, 2016, and now 2018. Pure magic in every way, its vivid purple/blue color is followed by an incredible, Pauillac-like perfume of blackcurrants, lead pencil-shavings, tobacco, chocolate, and damp earth, with more floral and spice notes developing with time in the glass. Full-bodied and flawlessly balanced, with a rare mix of power and elegance, it needs 4-5 years of bottle age and is going to evolve for 50 years. This is legendary Napa Valley Cabernet. Get it if you can.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon coming from the Maya vineyard, the 2018 MDV (standing for "Maya Dalla Valle") is only made in what are considered by the estate to be exceptional vintages. Deep garnet-purple colored, it bursts from the glass with bold notes of black and red currants, chocolate-covered cherries, mulberries and kirsch with touches of wild sage, tilled soil, black olives and truffles plus a waft of lilacs. The medium to full-bodied palate explodes with bright, crunchy black and red fruits, supported by ripe, grainy tannins and fantastic freshness, finishing long and savory.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
Home to some of the most sought-after Cabernet Sauvignon in America, Napa Valley’s Oakville district stretches across the center of Napa's valley floor and foothills between the Vaca and Mayacamas Mountains. This AVA is home to the legendary To Kalon Vineyard and Martha's Vineyard, as well as many powerhouse wineries including Screaming Eagle, Silver Oak, Robert Mondavi, Opus One, Far Niente and Groth.
The climate is generally warm and agreeable, resulting in year after year of favorable vintages. Summer days see a gentle tug of war between warmer inland air and the cool air coming in from the San Pablo Bay, creating an ideal environment to grow red varieties. Oakville's diverse soils, namely ancient sea bedrock, clay and gravel, are well-drained, and perfect for high-caliber viticulture.
Cabernet here is often bottled varietally but is also popular in Bordeaux Blends. Oakville wines are known for their silky, sensual textures, structured tannins, dark and brooding fruit and lovely aromatics. These age-worthy and prestigious wines are favored by collectors throughout the world.