Clos du Val 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate, Napa Valley

For more than four decades Clos du Val has been producing distinctive Napa Valley Cabernets from their estate vineyards in the Stag's Leap District and beyond. French Winemaker Bernard Portet secured prime vineyard property back in the early 70's which have been the basis for the legacy this winery holds today.

In the outstanding 2016 vintage everything went right in the Napa Valley which was very good for Clos Du Val since they farm 350 acres of estate vineyards in Stag's Leap, Yountville and Carneros.

This wine is a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot. The wine aged for 20 months in 65% new oak, both French and Hungarian.  
   

Jeb Dunnuck scored this 92 points saying "Starting out with the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate, it's a rocking Cabernet that should be snatched up by readers looking for a terrific value in Napa Cabernet at the 50 dollar price point. Blue fruits, sappy herbs, some damp earth, and a touch of mint all emerge from this charming, medium to full-bodied, fruit-loaded effort that delivers the goods."


James Suckling scored this 92 points saying "Some meaty aromas across ripe blackcurrants, blueberries and gently tarry notes. The palate has a strong core of smoothly grippy tannins and abundant blackcurrants. Give this another year or two. Try from 2020."


Wine Enthusiast Magazine scored this 90 points saying "This is blended with 14% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot, the whole given 20 months in a combination of French and Hungarian oak. It shows bright floral aromatics and bold flavors of blueberry, cinnamon and clove. The texture is soft and well integrated, with a light finish."