Clos du Val Wine Co.
Napa Valley Zinfandel
Napa Valley, California, USA
A continuation of some 1981’s that I’ve been opening to celebrate my 40th and this might be one of the biggest revelations yet. Over the last 20 years of my education, I’ve had the honor of being humbled countless times by wines, both good and not so good. However, every now and again, a wine comes along that challenges basic conventions and broadens my perspective. This was such a wine. Popped and poured; served alongside an assortment of grilled fare. The cork was about as healthy I’ve seen from a wine at 40 years. It came out mostly intact save for a small piece that was easy to remove but it served as a reminder that I ought to spend the money on a Durand. The color is deep garnet with some ever so slight browning at the edge of the rim. There is some fine sediment towards the bottom of the bottle but it’s otherwise quite clear. The nose was immediately engaging and full of interest. Predominate notes of old leather, dark cherry, mushrooms, black pepper, tobacco, and sweet baking spices. On the palate, the wine was rich, redolent. A mix of dark, mostly desiccated fruit, pipe tobacco, and baking spices. The real star however was the structure. Everything was still in its right place. Tannins were noticeable though clearly softened with age and very well integrated at this point. The acid provided all the necessary lift and a perfect zip to the finish. A wine of supreme balance. The four of us who shared this bottle looked at each other in wonder and amazement. A truly special wine that has years of life ahead. I have little doubt that it will still be handsome at 50.
A continuation of some 1981’s that I’ve been opening to celebrate my 40th and this might be one of the biggest revelations yet. Over the last 20 years of my education, I’ve had the honor of being humbled countless times by wines, both good and not so good. However, every now and again, a wine comes along that challenges basic conventions and broadens my perspective. This was such a wine. Popped and poured; served alongside an assortment of grilled fare. The cork was about as healthy I’ve seen from a wine at 40 years. It came out mostly intact save for a small piece that was easy to remove but it served as a reminder that I ought to spend the money on a Durand. The color is deep garnet with some ever so slight browning at the edge of the rim. There is some fine sediment towards the bottom of the bottle but it’s otherwise quite clear. The nose was immediately engaging and full of interest. Predominate notes of old leather, dark cherry, mushrooms, black pepper, tobacco, and sweet baking spices. On the palate, the wine was rich, redolent. A mix of dark, mostly desiccated fruit, pipe tobacco, and baking spices. The real star however was the structure. Everything was still in its right place. Tannins were noticeable though clearly softened with age and very well integrated at this point. The acid provided all the necessary lift and a perfect zip to the finish. A wine of supreme balance. The four of us who shared this bottle looked at each other in wonder and amazement. A truly special wine that has years of life ahead. I have little doubt that it will still be handsome at 50.
May 29th, 2021
Bigger style like the Hartford R.R. Big Blackberry fruit
Bigger style like the Hartford R.R. Big Blackberry fruit
Nov 1st, 2016
Wow. A revelation. Still alive and drinking fine. Color was deep garnet, and not much fading. Lots of of pure blackberry fruit and some underlying funk/earth. Really showing well #1977 #zinfandel
Wow. A revelation. Still alive and drinking fine. Color was deep garnet, and not much fading. Lots of of pure blackberry fruit and some underlying funk/earth. Really showing well #1977 #zinfandel
Dec 4th, 2015
Still a little fruit hanging on, a touch of licorice and orange rind, but quite a bit oxidized. Maybe waited about 10-years to much..
Still a little fruit hanging on, a touch of licorice and orange rind, but quite a bit oxidized. Maybe waited about 10-years to much..
Aug 1st, 2015Ditto my last statement
Ditto my last statement
Oct 7th, 2014Big ripe, dark spiced Zin, hiding 15% EtOH pretty well. Great with chocolate dessert vs dinner.
Big ripe, dark spiced Zin, hiding 15% EtOH pretty well. Great with chocolate dessert vs dinner.
Feb 15th, 2019
Sales Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant
Balanced with dark berry fruit and maple.
Balanced with dark berry fruit and maple.
Feb 4th, 2017