Napa Valley Red 2019

This feels like it is getting to the heart of Napa in its confidence and depth, but it has freshness and sculpted fruits that bring in the deft touch you would expect from Axel Heinz and Maya Dalle Valle. Blueberry, cassis and damson fruits, striking depth, grip and energy, this goes long on velvety texture, studded with pomegrante, mandarin peel, smoked herbs and cracked pepper spice. Only the second vintage of DVO and already it feels like a name to seek out. I'm a fan of the 2019 vintage in Napa generally, and this shows why. 75% new oak for ageing, held in bottle for one year before release. The grapes are from sites across Oakville, Mount Veeder and Coombsville.

Score: 97

Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2026-2042 01 February 2023