2019 Clos du Val Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Enticing aromas of blackberry, plum, and raspberry leap from the glass with underlying notes of caramel, dark chocolate, and rose petal. Fresh and vibrant flavors of cherry, pomegranate, nutmeg, and vanilla are seamlessly integrated with bright acidity, polished tannins, and a long, velvety finish.
Clos du Val is a member of the original “class of ’72” in the Napa Valley, which also includes no less than Silver Oak, Mount Eden, Jordan, Caymus, Diamond Creek, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, and Chateau Montelena. But just as an aging bistro quietly making great food gets passed over by foodies fawning over the latest restaurant with an ampersand in its name, so it goes in the wine world. Clos du Val fell out of fashion for a time, but now they are back on top—they have clawed back some of their vineyards in Stags Leap District from wineries who were buying some of their best fruit!
James Suckling
This shows lots of ripe dark and blue fruit on the nose, together with some leafy character. Notes of spices, cedar wood and walnuts, too. Medium-to full-bodied with firm tannins and a fresh, juicy-fruit profile. Polished and smooth with an array of succulent berries and blue flowers in the aftertaste. Drinkable now, but better in two or three years. Try after 2024.
Wine Enthusiast
This is a well-balanced red with small amounts of other varieties like Merlot. Spicy, it shows well-integrated oak and tannin within a taut, elegant and lengthy palate of blueberry and black currant.
Wine Spectator
A sleek, polished style, with cassis and plum notes driving through, carried by a graphite spine and backed by tobacco, briar and savory notes. Drink now through 2030.
Wine Advocate
The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon includes small proportions of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec and was aged 16 months in 44% new French oak. For entry-level Napa, it's a solid effort, marrying ripe cherries and hints of cassis with gentle notes of sage and cedar. Medium to full-bodied, it's soft enough to drink now, yet it shows enough velvety tannins to age at least through 2030. Nicely done.