1988 Dalla Valle Maya wine Napa Valley California sold by Angry Wine Merchant Dalla Valle Maya wine Napa Valley California Vineyard sold by Angry Wine Merchant Dalla Valle Maya grape Napa Valley California sold by Angry Wine Merchant
1988 Dalla Valle Maya wine Napa Valley California sold by Angry Wine Merchant
Dalla Valle Maya wine Napa Valley California Vineyard sold by Angry Wine Merchant
Dalla Valle Maya grape Napa Valley California sold by Angry Wine Merchant

1988 Dalla Valle Vineyards

Maya

Red Bordeaux Blend

America / California / Napa Valley

$425
RP 93
V 90
Size:
Quantity:

Availability: 2

1988 Dalla Valle Maya – Napa Valley’s Cult Debut of Greatness

The 1988 Dalla Valle Vineyards Maya marks the inaugural vintage of this now-legendary Napa Valley wine. Named after Naoko and Gustav Dalla Valle’s daughter, Maya, this Cabernet Sauvignon–Cabernet Franc blend from Oakville became an instant icon, establishing Dalla Valle among the leading California Cult Wines. Even decades later, the 1988 continues to impress with its structure, elegance, and remarkable longevity.

Tasting Notes

The wine opens with evolved yet vibrant aromas of black cherry, dried rose petal, and cedar, followed by touches of graphite, tobacco leaf, and leather. On the palate, it offers mature flavors of dark plum and truffle, supported by fine-grained tannins and lingering mineral tones. The finish remains persistent and balanced—a testament to its extraordinary craftsmanship.

Winemaking & Vineyard Details

The 1988 Maya was produced from hillside vineyards in Oakville, planted to Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The volcanic soils and western exposure contribute to the power and aromatic intensity that define Dalla Valle’s style. Aged for nearly 22 months in new French oak, the debut vintage was made under the guidance of winemaker Heidi Barrett, who would go on to shape the estate’s cult reputation through the 1990s.

Investment & Collectibility

The 1988 Dalla Valle Maya is a piece of Napa Valley history. As the first vintage of one of the region’s most important wines, it is a cornerstone for serious collectors. Extremely limited in availability, bottles in pristine condition continue to appreciate in value and historical significance. Perfect for your collection.

Vintage Insights

The 1988 vintage in Napa Valley was moderate and dry, favoring wines with firm structure and graceful aging trajectories. While many Cabernets from this year have faded, Dalla Valle’s hillside fruit and meticulous winemaking have allowed the 1988 Maya to retain balance and vitality even after more than three decades.

Explore Related Collections

RP 93

Robert Parker Wine Advocate

The 1988 Maya, made from a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Cabernet Franc, has a dense, very opaque black/purple color, a huge bouquet of super-ripe cassis, licorice, and vanillin aromas, followed by astonishingly intense, highly extracted, impeccably well-balanced, full-bodied flavors. The bad news is that only 200 cases were produced, so latching onto a bottle or two will not be easy. It should drink well over the next 20-25 years, probably longer. Reviewed by Robert M. Parker, Jr. Tasting date: October 26 1993 Drinking window: 1993 - 2018.
V 90

Vinous

Sweet tobacco, licorice, new leather, smoke and savory herbs meld together in the 1988 Maya. Now fully mature in its bouquet, the 1988 still has more than enough fruit and density to drink well for a handful of years, although I wouldn't push my luck. Dried orange peel, tobacco and wild flowers take on mature, Barolo-like overtones on the finish. Reviewed by Antonio Galloni. Tasting date: April 2014 Drinking window: 2014 - 2018.

Domestic Shipping

We currently ship to all U.S. states where the shipment of alcohol is legally permitted. Orders are fulfilled via UPS.

Orders placed Monday through Thursday before 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time typically ship the same day. Orders placed after 2:00 p.m. on Thursday through Sunday will ship the following Monday.

Same-day delivery may be available within the Los Angeles Metro area if placed before noon. Please contact us at (626) 714-7006 to arrange expedited local service.

Packaging & Warm Weather Shipping

To protect wine quality, all orders are packed in EPS foam shippers with gel packs when necessary. During warmer months, we recommend selecting Next Day Air service. If Ground shipping is selected during high temperatures, a signed waiver may be required to release us from liability due to heat exposure.

For OWC (Original Wooden Case) orders, bottles are removed and shipped in foam for safety. The wooden case ships separately via Ground unless otherwise requested.

Weather Holds & Free Storage

In periods of extreme weather, we reserve the right to delay shipment until safe conditions return. If you request immediate shipment during such periods, you must confirm in writing and acknowledge that you waive any condition guarantees.

We also offer complimentary temperature-controlled storage for up to 6 months from the date of purchase. Select the “Hold for Weather” option at checkout and we will coordinate shipping at a later date.

Insurance

We provide free shipping insurance for loss or visible damage during transit, per carrier terms and conditions.

Adult Signature Required

All shipments of alcohol require an adult signature (21+) upon delivery. Carriers will not release packages without adult authorization. Additional charges may apply for re-delivery, redirection, or failed delivery attempts.

Shipping Address Accuracy

Orders are shipped to the exact shipping address provided at checkout. Angry Wine Merchant is not responsible for errors or omissions in the address submitted by the customer. If a package is delayed, returned, or misdelivered due to incorrect shipping details, the customer assumes full responsibility. Additional shipping fees may apply if re-shipment is required. By placing an order, you confirm that the shipping address entered is correct and agree to these terms.

States We Ship To

We ship to the following U.S. states:

Alabama (AL), Alaska (AK), Arizona (AZ), Arkansas (AR), California (CA), Colorado (CO), Connecticut (CT), Delaware (DE), Florida (FL), Georgia (GA), Hawaii (HI), Idaho (ID), Illinois (IL), Indiana (IN), Iowa (IA), Kansas (KS), Kentucky (KY), Louisiana (LA), Maine (ME), Maryland (MD), Massachusetts (MA), Michigan (MI), Minnesota (MN), Mississippi (MS), Missouri (MO), Montana (MT), Nebraska (NE), Nevada (NV), New Hampshire (NH), New Jersey (NJ), New Mexico (NM), New York (NY), North Carolina (NC), Ohio (OH), Oklahoma (OK), Oregon (OR), Pennsylvania (PA), Rhode Island (RI), South Carolina (SC), South Dakota (SD), Tennessee (TN), Texas (TX), Vermont (VT), Virginia (VA), Washington (WA), West Virginia (WV), Wisconsin (WI), Wyoming (WY)

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International Shipping

We do offer international shipping where legally allowed. For details, click here or contact us directly.

  • CRITICAL REVIEWS
  • WINEMAKER NOTES
RP 93

Robert Parker Wine Advocate

The 1988 Maya, made from a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Cabernet Franc, has a dense, very opaque black/purple color, a huge bouquet of super-ripe cassis, licorice, and vanillin aromas, followed by astonishingly intense, highly extracted, impeccably well-balanced, full-bodied flavors. The bad news is that only 200 cases were produced, so latching onto a bottle or two will not be easy. It should drink well over the next 20-25 years, probably longer. Reviewed by Robert M. Parker, Jr. Tasting date: October 26 1993 Drinking window: 1993 - 2018.
V 90

Vinous

Sweet tobacco, licorice, new leather, smoke and savory herbs meld together in the 1988 Maya. Now fully mature in its bouquet, the 1988 still has more than enough fruit and density to drink well for a handful of years, although I wouldn't push my luck. Dried orange peel, tobacco and wild flowers take on mature, Barolo-like overtones on the finish. Reviewed by Antonio Galloni. Tasting date: April 2014 Drinking window: 2014 - 2018.

1988 Dalla Valle Maya – Napa Valley’s Cult Debut of Greatness

The 1988 Dalla Valle Vineyards Maya marks the inaugural vintage of this now-legendary Napa Valley wine. Named after Naoko and Gustav Dalla Valle’s daughter, Maya, this Cabernet Sauvignon–Cabernet Franc blend from Oakville became an instant icon, establishing Dalla Valle among the leading California Cult Wines. Even decades later, the 1988 continues to impress with its structure, elegance, and remarkable longevity.

Tasting Notes

The wine opens with evolved yet vibrant aromas of black cherry, dried rose petal, and cedar, followed by touches of graphite, tobacco leaf, and leather. On the palate, it offers mature flavors of dark plum and truffle, supported by fine-grained tannins and lingering mineral tones. The finish remains persistent and balanced—a testament to its extraordinary craftsmanship.

Winemaking & Vineyard Details

The 1988 Maya was produced from hillside vineyards in Oakville, planted to Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The volcanic soils and western exposure contribute to the power and aromatic intensity that define Dalla Valle’s style. Aged for nearly 22 months in new French oak, the debut vintage was made under the guidance of winemaker Heidi Barrett, who would go on to shape the estate’s cult reputation through the 1990s.

Investment & Collectibility

The 1988 Dalla Valle Maya is a piece of Napa Valley history. As the first vintage of one of the region’s most important wines, it is a cornerstone for serious collectors. Extremely limited in availability, bottles in pristine condition continue to appreciate in value and historical significance. Perfect for your collection.

Vintage Insights

The 1988 vintage in Napa Valley was moderate and dry, favoring wines with firm structure and graceful aging trajectories. While many Cabernets from this year have faded, Dalla Valle’s hillside fruit and meticulous winemaking have allowed the 1988 Maya to retain balance and vitality even after more than three decades.

Explore Related Collections

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