Clos du Val Wine Co.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California, USA
Fresh and sweet. Plum and iron. Lucid and not too hot
Fresh and sweet. Plum and iron. Lucid and not too hot
Oct 11th, 2024
An “intermezzo” as we prepared for the reds flights. This was served blind. The 1978 shows really young for its age. Most at the table, including myself, were convinced that this was classified growth Bordeaux with maybe 20-30 years of age. However at least one of us thought it was Napa…and whoa. The color was dark and handsome though there was some sediment (to expected). The fruit was bright but I felt it was secondary to the dried leaf tobacco, earth and leather notes. There was good acid too. Tannins have integrated. Lots of wows when this was revealed while the Napa holdouts gave a smile. Bravo. This could easily live well for another 10 or so years.
An “intermezzo” as we prepared for the reds flights. This was served blind. The 1978 shows really young for its age. Most at the table, including myself, were convinced that this was classified growth Bordeaux with maybe 20-30 years of age. However at least one of us thought it was Napa…and whoa. The color was dark and handsome though there was some sediment (to expected). The fruit was bright but I felt it was secondary to the dried leaf tobacco, earth and leather notes. There was good acid too. Tannins have integrated. Lots of wows when this was revealed while the Napa holdouts gave a smile. Bravo. This could easily live well for another 10 or so years.
Jun 19th, 2023Popped and poured, no formal notes. This bottle has been stored in my cellar since release. I have always appreciated the restrained expression of Clos du Val however, this was enjoyed after the 2005 “Caravina” and there is a very clear difference in class between the two. The Seavey had a level of energy, sophistication and polish that the CdV just couldn’t match, even though it was 8 years younger. However, there was a subtle charm to it and if enjoyed on its own, would have made more of an impression. The profile was dark, with loads of earth. Structure was firm but in balance with the fruit. Finish was medium. Built for another decade but probably won’t improve.
Popped and poured, no formal notes. This bottle has been stored in my cellar since release. I have always appreciated the restrained expression of Clos du Val however, this was enjoyed after the 2005 “Caravina” and there is a very clear difference in class between the two. The Seavey had a level of energy, sophistication and polish that the CdV just couldn’t match, even though it was 8 years younger. However, there was a subtle charm to it and if enjoyed on its own, would have made more of an impression. The profile was dark, with loads of earth. Structure was firm but in balance with the fruit. Finish was medium. Built for another decade but probably won’t improve.
Deep Ruby with aromas of dark fruits and some herb notes, mostly Cab Sauv with small amounts of Merlot, Cab Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec, aged 16 months in 44% new French oak. On the palate flavors of blackberry and black cherry with sweet spice, cedar and notes of cacao. A consistent wine and a good value. Medium+ finish, fine tannins, well balanced ending with fruit , toasty oak and herb tobacco spice.
Deep Ruby with aromas of dark fruits and some herb notes, mostly Cab Sauv with small amounts of Merlot, Cab Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec, aged 16 months in 44% new French oak. On the palate flavors of blackberry and black cherry with sweet spice, cedar and notes of cacao. A consistent wine and a good value. Medium+ finish, fine tannins, well balanced ending with fruit , toasty oak and herb tobacco spice.
Aug 4th, 2022
Yesterday for the 4th of July we opened the 2019 Clos du Val Cabernet Sauvignon. From Napa, California Napa Valley.
On the nose there was black cherry, blackberry, plum sauce, black currant, spice, graphite and earth.
On the palate there is a black cherry, blackberry, plum, black currant, chocolate, spice, green bell pepper, toasty oak and earth.
This is a full bodied wine with a smooth mouthfeel medium + acidity and medium + grippy tannins that leaves you with a long dark fruit graphite finish. I hope everyone had a blessed 4th of July enjoying family and friends. Please have a wonderful week ahead and stay safe and healthy. Nostrovia! 🍷🍷🍷🍷
Yesterday for the 4th of July we opened the 2019 Clos du Val Cabernet Sauvignon. From Napa, California Napa Valley.
On the nose there was black cherry, blackberry, plum sauce, black currant, spice, graphite and earth.
On the palate there is a black cherry, blackberry, plum, black currant, chocolate, spice, green bell pepper, toasty oak and earth.
This is a full bodied wine with a smooth mouthfeel medium + acidity and medium + grippy tannins that leaves you with a long dark fruit graphite finish. I hope everyone had a blessed 4th of July enjoying family and friends. Please have a wonderful week ahead and stay safe and healthy. Nostrovia! 🍷🍷🍷🍷
Very enjoyable ready to drink. Dark ruby, fruit forward. Very much Napa cab.
Very enjoyable ready to drink. Dark ruby, fruit forward. Very much Napa cab.
Jun 10th, 2022
Just really pleasantly surprised…slim pickings at outrageous Caribbean prices.
Just really pleasantly surprised…slim pickings at outrageous Caribbean prices.
Dec 25th, 2021
Took some time but smooth and round
Took some time but smooth and round
Feb 18th, 2020
