Clos du Val 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon

An absolute tour de force from one of the true historic pillars of the Stags Leap District, the outstanding 2023 Clos du Val Cabernet Sauvignon reveals a dense, opaque ruby/purple color accompanied by a captivating, perfumed nose of pristine crème de cassis, crushed black cherries, graphite, sweet tobacco, unsmoked cigar ash, and a subtle touch of spicy espresso beans. The 2023 growing season in Napa Valley allowed for long, late-season ripening, resulting in a profound purity of fruit and incredible natural structural balance. On the palate, this full-bodied, multidimensional classic unfolds seamlessly, coating the mouth with vibrant layers of dark berries, bitter chocolate, and freshly turned loam, all impeccably framed by ripe, sweet, fine-grained tannins that provide remarkable architectural grip without ever feeling astringent or heavy.

What makes this bottling so compelling is its brilliant synergy between old-world restraint and quintessential Napa Valley power. Beyond its expressive primary fruit, there is an unmistakable savory undercurrent—a gravelly minerality mixed with subtle dried herbs and floral violet top notes—that lifts the wine and drives it through a minute-long, expansive finish that builds on the palate. The balance here between alcohol, fruit concentration, and vibrant acidity is nothing short of authoritative, demonstrating why this estate remains a benchmark for classic California Cabernet.

This is a brilliantly crafted, classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon that overdelivers on every front, showing surprising accessibility today given its lush texture and aromatic complexity, yet possessing the sheer depth and structural integrity required for long-term cellaring. It is a masterpiece of balance and precision that will reward short-term decanting for immediate enjoyment, but those who store it away in a cold cellar over the next decade or two will witness a breathtaking transformation. Enjoy this legendary release now or cellar it confidently over the next 15 to 20 years.

Composition: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec & 4% Petit Verdot.

94 POINTS - "Refined and earth-driven, showing tightly wound black-fruit aromas with underlying notes of graphite, bitter chocolate and cured meats. The palate is focused and pure with finely tuned tannins and a generous yet precise palate." - James Suckling

94 POINTS - "Expressive with the potential to age, this Cabernet captures the inky dark fruits, dark chocolate, and cascade of fresh herbs so classic to the cuvée, with the intensity and lengthy structure of the vintage." - Wine Enthusiast

92 POINTS - "The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) is a fabulous entry-level offering in this range. Bright, aromatic and punchy, the 2023 is seriously beautiful from start to finish. Rose petal, spice and new leather meld into a core of dark red/purplish fruit. There's a good bit of tannin, making this a pretty serious appellation wine." - Vinous

91 POINTS - "A super value in ready-to-drink Napa Cab, Clos du Val's 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon is actually a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec and 4% Petit Verdot. Black cherries dominate the nose, joined by hints of cassis and tobacco leaf, while the medium- to full-bodied palate is firm without being hard or edgy and finishes long and silky." - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

90 POINTS - "This is fresh and juicy, with a slightly understated style to its black cherry and blackberry compote flavors, all laced with light singed alder and savory hints and then dusted with a cocoa note on the finish. Drink now through 2033." - Wine Spectator

Opening with complex aromas of blackberry, blue plum, violet, and a hint of fresh herbs, this Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is vibrant and expressive. On the palate, notes of cherry, dark chocolate, cassis, and toasted almonds are intertwined with fresh acidity, supple tannins, and a long, smooth finish.