Clos du Val Wine Co.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California, USA
To me, this smells and tastes like a late-70s, old school Napa Cab. Very dark color. Nose charges out of the gates with cassis, olives, dark green pungent herbs, gravel, and a little iodine. Approachable (and enjoyable) already on the palate. Sure, it’s a bit tannic but they’re soft, with mouth-coating savory flavors. None of that damn chocolateyness I don’t like (which seems near-ubiquitous now in Napa Cabs), and zero jamminess. What a value (I got it for $39) for a very tasty and true-to-type Napa Cab.
To me, this smells and tastes like a late-70s, old school Napa Cab. Very dark color. Nose charges out of the gates with cassis, olives, dark green pungent herbs, gravel, and a little iodine. Approachable (and enjoyable) already on the palate. Sure, it’s a bit tannic but they’re soft, with mouth-coating savory flavors. None of that damn chocolateyness I don’t like (which seems near-ubiquitous now in Napa Cabs), and zero jamminess. What a value (I got it for $39) for a very tasty and true-to-type Napa Cab.
Sep 1st, 2025
If someone had never tasted a Napa Valley Cab, I would happily pour this for reference. It's bold and great. I'm enjoying the balance of ripe, dark fruit with tasteful oak additions. There's a hint of eucalyptus, and pleasant leathery tannins. I personally would take this over Silver Oak or Heitz with my ribeye, and that's not just my wallet talking. $50 well spent.
Listening to Arctic Monkeys, again.
If someone had never tasted a Napa Valley Cab, I would happily pour this for reference. It's bold and great. I'm enjoying the balance of ripe, dark fruit with tasteful oak additions. There's a hint of eucalyptus, and pleasant leathery tannins. I personally would take this over Silver Oak or Heitz with my ribeye, and that's not just my wallet talking. $50 well spent.
Listening to Arctic Monkeys, again.
Dark jammy fruits on the nose. Continues at the front of the palette, then shifts to black pepper. Low acidify but high tannins that makes for a dry finish. Enjoying this with grilled tenderloin. Would buy again for sub $35
Dark jammy fruits on the nose. Continues at the front of the palette, then shifts to black pepper. Low acidify but high tannins that makes for a dry finish. Enjoying this with grilled tenderloin. Would buy again for sub $35
Sep 2nd, 2025
