Dalla Valle, Maya

Dalla Valle, MayaThe very deep garnet purple colored 2018 Maya is shy and restrained to begin. With swirling, it begins to reveal beguiling notes of fragrant earth, lavender, garrigue and Sichuan pepper, giving way to a core of wild blueberries, boysenberries, black raspberries and black currants plus a hint of iron ore. The palate is full bodied, revealing itself in slow releasing layers of black and blue fruits with exhilarating earth and mineral sparks, framed by

It's a little gruff compared to the sleeker incarnation of today's Le Pavillon but nonetheless is very Hermitage

with subtle aromas of violets

I have always had a weakness for Roberto Voerzio's 2000 Barolo Cerequio

displaying sharp clarity

but is solid

complicated by nuances of violet and flint

somewhat fleshy flavors yet offers surprisingly good precision on the back end

finely tuned acidity and gentle grip toward the long

There is fine richness to the relatively full-bodied flavors that possess a caressing mouthfeel as well as a subtle minerality that extends to the delicious and seductive finale where a hint of bitter cherry pit emerges

Drink now-2030+

There is a lot to admire considering that the couple had only recently taken over the running of the property

Crème de cassis and blackberry aromas sufficient to fill the room emerge on the nose of Sorrel's 2017 Hermitage Le Greal