Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Founded in the 1980s by the japanese-italian couple naoko and gustav dalla valle, dalla valle vineyards is a family-run winery located on the eastern slopes of oakville, in california’s napa valley. The estate produces a range of exceptionally high-quality wines that are widely acclaimed by both critics and the public. Collina dalla valle is a blend of cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc, with a small addition of petit verdot. The grapes are sourced from the youngest vines planted on the estate’s hillside plots, which feature gravelly soils. This produces a wine that is accessible and immediate, yet also capable of aging in the cellar for several years. Its name, collina , is derived from the italian word for hill. In the glass, the wine displays an intense color with crimson-ruby tones and violet hues. Its aromatic profile is broad and expressive, featuring notes of plum, redcurrant, spices, aromatic herbs, tobacco leaf, and a touch of minerality. On the palate, it is complex and vibrant, with a lively character and a medium-to-full body. The tannins are silky, and the acidity is well-balanced. The finish is long and layered. Try it paired with pork ribs or beef wellington.