![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.winemusing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Clos-du-Val-Cabernet-wm-950x633.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nWho makes it?<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\nClos du Val Cabernet Sauvignon. Clos du Val is a fine winery based in California\u2019s Napa Valley. The story goes that John and Henrietta Goelet tasked Bernard Portet to find them a vineyard anywhere in the world to make fine red wine. Portet found the vineyard site in Stags Leap and Clos du Val was born. Of course, now Clos du Val offers up other Bordeaux style gems such as a Sauvignon Blanc and a Cab Franc ros\u00e9.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Their Hirondelle vineyard in Stags Leap is around 120 acres. Remarkably, it currently features 9 different clones of Cabernet Sauvignon. Their other vineyard site, Riverbend Vineyard, grows even more Cabernet, but also other Bordeaux grapes.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Intriguingly, Bernard Portet is the brother of Dominique Portet. Dominique did some vintages with Bernard at Clos du Val after graduating with his winemaking degree. Dominique eventually went on to establish his own family estate in the Yarra Valley, Australia. He has been producing wines there that have a wide following since 2000.\u00a0\u00a0Prior to that, he is credited for his part in establishing sparkling wine in Australia. Specifically with his work with Taltarni (Pyrenees, Victoria) and Clover Hill (Tasmania).\u00a0<\/p>\n
How do they make it?<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\nLike the much applauded Yettalil, this is also a Bordeaux red blend. It features Cabernet Sauvigon, of course. However, you should expect to also find other Bordeaux red grapes. It is joined by Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot.\u00a0\u00a0Without a doubt, that Cabernet Sauvignon is the keystone for this blend. The blend features more than 70% of grape.<\/p>\n
Once ferment is complete, the wine spends 12 months in French oak barrels. Only just around a third of those barrels are new.<\/p>\n
What does it taste like?<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\nEven in the glass this is a rich and lushly deep red. There is an earthy minerality to the black plum, nutmeg, black currant and sweet vanilla opening notes. Along the palate the wine is quite detailed. It then finishes with a dollop of extra chocolate blackberry.<\/p>\n
The wine is fuller bodied. The tannins here are ripe and Napa Cabernet like. It is very plush, yet at the same time it has a finesse. The detail in the fruit has been allowed to shine and the oak is in support. Unsurprisingly, it is a good cellar candidate.\u00a0<\/p>\n
What to drink it with?<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\nEnjoy this Clos du Val Cabernet with a roast. Or with a tomato based stew, or a Beef Wellington.<\/p>\n
Cheese<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\nThis is a bold red and will work with matured hard cheeses such as Cheddar, Manchego and Comte.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Quickie review \u00ab This wine always delivers Napa generosity with a Bordeaux flair. \u00bb<\/em><\/p>\nCountry of Origin:\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>Napa Valley, USA
Tasting Date:\u00a0<\/strong>June 2024
Price:\u00a0<\/strong>GB\u00a350\u00a0|\u00a0<\/strong>US$60 ++
Drink:<\/strong>\u00a0now \u2013 10+ years\u00a0
Needs food:<\/strong>\u00a0no
Source<\/strong>:\u00a0tasting<\/p>\nIf you like Cabernet led red wines such as this Clos du Val Cabernet, why not check out:<\/em>
Domaine des Tourelles Cuvee Pierre Brun<\/a>
Yalumba The Signature Cabernet Shiraz<\/a>
Le Petit Lion du Marquis de Las Cases<\/a>
Colome El Arenal Malbec<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
Like the much applauded Yettalil, this is also a Bordeaux red blend. It features Cabernet Sauvigon, of course. However, you should expect to also find other Bordeaux red grapes. It is joined by Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot.\u00a0\u00a0Without a doubt, that Cabernet Sauvignon is the keystone for this blend. The blend features more than 70% of grape.<\/p>\n
Once ferment is complete, the wine spends 12 months in French oak barrels. Only just around a third of those barrels are new.<\/p>\n
What does it taste like?<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\nEven in the glass this is a rich and lushly deep red. There is an earthy minerality to the black plum, nutmeg, black currant and sweet vanilla opening notes. Along the palate the wine is quite detailed. It then finishes with a dollop of extra chocolate blackberry.<\/p>\n
The wine is fuller bodied. The tannins here are ripe and Napa Cabernet like. It is very plush, yet at the same time it has a finesse. The detail in the fruit has been allowed to shine and the oak is in support. Unsurprisingly, it is a good cellar candidate.\u00a0<\/p>\n
What to drink it with?<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\nEnjoy this Clos du Val Cabernet with a roast. Or with a tomato based stew, or a Beef Wellington.<\/p>\n
Cheese<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\nThis is a bold red and will work with matured hard cheeses such as Cheddar, Manchego and Comte.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Quickie review \u00ab This wine always delivers Napa generosity with a Bordeaux flair. \u00bb<\/em><\/p>\nCountry of Origin:\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>Napa Valley, USA
Tasting Date:\u00a0<\/strong>June 2024
Price:\u00a0<\/strong>GB\u00a350\u00a0|\u00a0<\/strong>US$60 ++
Drink:<\/strong>\u00a0now \u2013 10+ years\u00a0
Needs food:<\/strong>\u00a0no
Source<\/strong>:\u00a0tasting<\/p>\nIf you like Cabernet led red wines such as this Clos du Val Cabernet, why not check out:<\/em>
Domaine des Tourelles Cuvee Pierre Brun<\/a>
Yalumba The Signature Cabernet Shiraz<\/a>
Le Petit Lion du Marquis de Las Cases<\/a>
Colome El Arenal Malbec<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
Enjoy this Clos du Val Cabernet with a roast. Or with a tomato based stew, or a Beef Wellington.<\/p>\n
Cheese<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\nThis is a bold red and will work with matured hard cheeses such as Cheddar, Manchego and Comte.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Quickie review \u00ab This wine always delivers Napa generosity with a Bordeaux flair. \u00bb<\/em><\/p>\nCountry of Origin:\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>Napa Valley, USA
Tasting Date:\u00a0<\/strong>June 2024
Price:\u00a0<\/strong>GB\u00a350\u00a0|\u00a0<\/strong>US$60 ++
Drink:<\/strong>\u00a0now \u2013 10+ years\u00a0
Needs food:<\/strong>\u00a0no
Source<\/strong>:\u00a0tasting<\/p>\nIf you like Cabernet led red wines such as this Clos du Val Cabernet, why not check out:<\/em>
Domaine des Tourelles Cuvee Pierre Brun<\/a>
Yalumba The Signature Cabernet Shiraz<\/a>
Le Petit Lion du Marquis de Las Cases<\/a>
Colome El Arenal Malbec<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
Country of Origin:\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>Napa Valley, USA If you like Cabernet led red wines such as this Clos du Val Cabernet, why not check out:<\/em>
Tasting Date:\u00a0<\/strong>June 2024
Price:\u00a0<\/strong>GB\u00a350\u00a0|\u00a0<\/strong>US$60 ++
Drink:<\/strong>\u00a0now \u2013 10+ years\u00a0
Needs food:<\/strong>\u00a0no
Source<\/strong>:\u00a0tasting<\/p>\n
Domaine des Tourelles Cuvee Pierre Brun<\/a>
Yalumba The Signature Cabernet Shiraz<\/a>
Le Petit Lion du Marquis de Las Cases<\/a>
Colome El Arenal Malbec<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n