Huddled in the Vaca Mountains is an AVA that is sparesly planted compared to many others in Napa Valley, but it is one that is creating delicious fruit. The Chiles Valley AVA is home to Maxville Winery's 1000-acre estate, proudly possessing some vines that are now over 50 years old! While this is extremely impressive, what garners our attention more is the wines produced that are strangely both delicate and bold when they need to be. The soil in the estate vineyard is well-drained and the dry farming style provides the perfect pressure on the vines, forcing them to produce berries that are flavorful, colorful and memorable.
Maxville Estate Vineyard - Chiles Valley AVA courtesy of Maxville Winery
Over the next few weeks we are going to taste and share a handful of wines from Maxville. But today we are concentrating on two wines - the 2021 Maxville Estate Oranos Red Blend and the 2021 Maxville Estate Merlot.
While the specific details of the composotion for the 2021 Maxville Estate Oranos Red Blend wine are a mystery, we are picking up profiles from what we believe are Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and possibly Malbec. The rich and inticing color suggests there may be a sprinkling of Petite Siraha as well. Gorgous dark ruby color in the glass. The nose presents dark red fruits, rich cacao powder, sawn hickory and earthy herbs. This wine gives you a sense of "place"; you can alsmost feel yourself walking the vines as you taste this and enjoy the flavors of ripe raspberry, plum, wisps of campfire smoke, vanilla and chocolate against the structured tannins. It's quite lovely and we personally would consider this a non-food wine (don't hate!) to enjoy the layers of flavors.
ABV: 14.8%
AVA: Chiles Valley
Winery: Maxville Winery
Suggested retail price: $120.00
Drink The Bottles score: 92/100
We need to start this by telling you that we are still thinking about this wine! While 2004 saw "The Sideways Effect" on Merlot, resulting in tumbling sales and tons of product sitting in warehouses and on shelves for years, we're thrilled that vintners and winemakers have re-embraced this varietal as it is one of our absolute favorites. This 2021 Maxville Estate Merlot is beaming with aromas of muddled raspberries, scorched earth, dark chocolate and dried spices. It is immediately inviting with restrained flavors of blackberry pie, hints of blueberry compote, sweet tobacco and vanilla that lead to a finish that is determined and delicious. This is Merlot that was made with a purpose and the type of Merlot that we absolutely adore!
ABV: 15.1%
AVA: Chiles Valley
Winery: Maxville Winery
Suggested retail price: $90.00
Drink The Bottles score: 94/100
