Who makes it?
Clos du Val Cabernet Sauvignon. Clos du Val is a fine winery based in California’s Napa Valley. The story goes that John and Henrietta Goelet tasked Bernard Portet to find them a vineyard anywhere in the world to make fine red wine. Portet found the vineyard site in Stags Leap and Clos du Val was born. Of course, now Clos du Val offers up other Bordeaux style gems such as a Sauvignon Blanc and a Cab Franc rosé.
Their Hirondelle vineyard in Stags Leap is around 120 acres. Remarkably, it currently features 9 different clones of Cabernet Sauvignon. Their other vineyard site, Riverbend Vineyard, grows even more Cabernet, but also other Bordeaux grapes.
Intriguingly, Bernard Portet is the brother of Dominique Portet. Dominique did some vintages with Bernard at Clos du Val after graduating with his winemaking degree. Dominique eventually went on to establish his own family estate in the Yarra Valley, Australia. He has been producing wines there that have a wide following since 2000. Prior to that, he is credited for his part in establishing sparkling wine in Australia. Specifically with his work with Taltarni (Pyrenees, Victoria) and Clover Hill (Tasmania).
How do they make it?
Like the much applauded Yettalil, this is also a Bordeaux red blend. It features Cabernet Sauvigon, of course. However, you should expect to also find other Bordeaux red grapes. It is joined by Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Without a doubt, that Cabernet Sauvignon is the keystone for this blend. The blend features more than 70% of grape.
Once ferment is complete, the wine spends 12 months in French oak barrels. Only just around a third of those barrels are new.
What does it taste like?
Even in the glass this is a rich and lushly deep red. There is an earthy minerality to the black plum, nutmeg, black currant and sweet vanilla opening notes. Along the palate the wine is quite detailed. It then finishes with a dollop of extra chocolate blackberry.
The wine is fuller bodied. The tannins here are ripe and Napa Cabernet like. It is very plush, yet at the same time it has a finesse. The detail in the fruit has been allowed to shine and the oak is in support. Unsurprisingly, it is a good cellar candidate.
What to drink it with?
Enjoy this Clos du Val Cabernet with a roast. Or with a tomato based stew, or a Beef Wellington.
Cheese
This is a bold red and will work with matured hard cheeses such as Cheddar, Manchego and Comte.
Quickie review « This wine always delivers Napa generosity with a Bordeaux flair. »
Country of Origin: Napa Valley, USA
Tasting Date: June 2024
Price: GB£50 | US$60 ++
Drink: now – 10+ years
Needs food: no
Source: tasting
If you like Cabernet led red wines such as this Clos du Val Cabernet, why not check out:
Domaine des Tourelles Cuvee Pierre Brun
Yalumba The Signature Cabernet Shiraz
Le Petit Lion du Marquis de Las Cases
Colome El Arenal Malbec
Visit Clos du Val for more.
