Clos du Val Winery Visit Tasting the Clos du Val Wines
Like many of the other wineries in the 1976 Paris Tasting, Clos du Val was but a baby when its wine was entered. It was founded in 1972 by John Goelet, an American businessman. Their 1972 Cabernet - literally their first wine created - won 8th place in that original tasting. Even more spectacular, when the exact same vintages were tasted in 1986 to see how well they had aged, the Clos du Val Cabernet came in first.
2000 Clos du Val Ariadne
This white is a blend of Semillon plus 30% Sauvignon Blanc. It is named after the Goddess of Dreams, and is light, crisp and minerally with melon and peach flavors. It has a lovely finish and would go wonderfully with seafood and crabcakes.
2001 Clos du Val Chardonnay Carneros
Crisp, juicy and minerally, with a well balanced, nutty flavor.
2000 Clos du Val Merlot Napa Valley
Fresh and fruity, with light tannins. Blackberry, plum and cherry flavors. Clos du Val released their first merlot in 1977, which was only the 3rd merlot to be created in Napa Valley.
2000 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Rich, medium bodied, balanced tannins, cedar and earthy flavors. Spicy with a long, smooth finish.
1999 Stag's Leap Cabernet Sauvignon
This wine has won many awards, but as Marc pointed out, "we don't drink points, we drink wines." The wine was very tasty and well worth those awards! Rich, smooth, spicy, with dark chocolate and black currant flavors.
1992 Stag's Leap Cabernet Sauvignon
The '92 showed just how well this Cab ages. Smooth, spicy, rich, with a well balanced flavor and long finish. This is one that we bought a bottle of to take home with us. Would be perfect with a roast beef dinner.
Photo Gallery from our Clos du Val Visit
Vine Photo Gallery from our Clos du Val Visit
Paris Ranking: 8th, Cabernet (1st in 1986 retasting)
GPS Location: N 38 22.928 W 122 18.691
Website: ClosDuVal.com
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All content on the WineIntro website is personally written by author and wine enthusiast Lisa Shea. WineIntro explores the delicious variety and beautiful history which makes up our world of wine! Lisa loves supporting local wineries and encouraging people to drink whatever they like. We all have different taste buds, and that makes our world wonderful. Always drink responsibly.