SOLD OUT! If you are wanting a truly fabulous, noble, and classic Napa Cab this holiday season, the 2018 Clos du Val Cabernet Sauvignon will do the trick. This historic estate has produced a Stag's Leap Cab that will make your head spin.
This is a wine that Great Britain's Decanter rated 97 points! That's just 3 points away from perfection, and that is a publication that is about as conservative as they come. From one of Napa's original all-star producers, we are offering this up at one of the best prices in the US!
2018 Clos du Val Cabernet Sauvignon Estate
97 points Decanter, 95 points Josh Spurling
Founded in 1972 by husband and wife John and Henrietta Goelet, Clos du Val set out to make Cabernet Sauvignon that would rival the world's best. They succeeded early on, and they continue to succeed in that endeavor. Their latest releases have been especially good, but let's not forget where it all started.
Bordeaux-trained vigneron Bernard Portet helped them find the perfect parcel in what would later become the Stag’s Leap District. Their inaugural 1972 Cabernet Sauvignon was part of the group that topped French wines in the legendary 1976 Judgment of Paris blind tasting. Ten years later, their Cabernet Sauvignon took first place in the Judgment of Paris rematch.
Those who have followed the Clos du Val path know that the family rested on these laurels for a number of years, and the quality of their wines suffered. It's not that their Cabs were bad, they just were far from great, but all of that changed around 2010. The family decided to return to their roots. That meant lower yields, only estate-grown fruit, and a much more hands-on approach. This return to quality all became apparent when their 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon scored 95+ points with Vinous Media.
I bought, sold, and drank plenty of that 2013, and I can tell you the 2018 is in the same league. Almost all of the grapes that go into this wine from Clos du Val's Hirondelle Vineyard, a "sweet spot" in Napa's famed Stag's Leap District. In case you hadn't heard, Vintage 2018 was nearly perfect for Napa Valley Cab -- Wine Spectator rated the overall vintage 99 points!
I tasted this one last week with my buddy Richard McKinney of Tryon Distributing. We were both absolutely floored by this wine. The nose is “old school” Napa, with notes of blackberry, currant, lavender, spice box, and leather. The palate is equally stunning with a freshness and vibrancy I often find lacking in Napa Valley Cabs these days.
Decanter loved it just as much as we did, rating it 97 points. They didn't hold back with this one. "Polished aromas of lovely ripe dark fruit and chocolatey spicy oak, with floral and herbal notes. An expressive and fresh palate with purity of fruit, juicy tannins, and a solid length. Approachable now and will age well."
In closing, this is a noble and aristocratic style of Napa Cab. Translated, it is producers like Clos du Val and wines like this one that established and continue to make Napa Valley one of the top Cabernet Sauvignon locations in the world. Enjoy this super classy and regal wine with grand and lavish holiday meals. You'll be glad you did!
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville