96 pts – Wine Advocate
The 1996 Maya is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Vivid, intense aromas of new saddle leather, plums, black currants, underbrush, and licorice are followed by a full-bodied, sensationally concentrated wine with sweet tannin, a deep, exceptionally pure and concentrated mid-palate, and an opulently-textured finish. It was surprisingly open-knit and delicious when tasted in October, but there is more tannin lurking beneath the surface. Anticipated maturity: 2001-2025. – WA, RP (1/2000)
98 pts – Wine Spectator
95 pts – Vinous
Saturated ruby. Very ripe, perfumed aromas of blackcurrant and chocolate; much deeper than the Napa Valley bottling. Dense, ripe and broad, but remarkably filled in and consistent for a wine from the ’96 vintage. Shows an almost port-like chocolatey ripeness, but has enough supporting acidity to keep the flavors fresh and delineated. Finishes with seductively lush, suave tannins. Compelling wine.- Stephen Tanzer (7/1999)
