Clos Du Val Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

#29 - Wine Enthusiast 100: The Best Wines of 2024

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.

Clos du Val was born from a simple dream: to make the best Bordeaux-style wines in the world, and to do so outside of France. In 1972, after years of global exploration, founding winemaker Bernard Portet discovered his perfect site in the Stags Leap District. He named it "Clos du Val," or "vineyard within the valley." Now entering their generation of family ownership, Clos du Val is proud to produce strikingly elegant, enticingly fresh, and remarkably ageable wines.

Wine Advocate: 90
One of the more realistically priced Napa Cabs out there, Clos du Val's 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 5% Malbec, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Scents of black and red cherries, hints of violets and vanilla mark the nose, while the medium to full-bodied palate is silky and fresh, streamlined and classic in style.

Wine Enthusiast: 92
A mix of black fruits spun through with stimulating and flavorful spices fill the mouth with juicy and savory flavors. These are carried by a balance of acidity and fine-grained tannins into a mouthwatering and lengthy finish.

James Suckling: 92
Fresh and nicely framed aromas of red currants, stone and sweet tobacco. Medium-bodied with open-grained tannins and a creamy finish. Crunchy fruit. A blend of 77% cabernet sauvignon, 12% merlot, 5% malbec, 4% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot. Very drinkable now, but can improve with age.

Tasting Panel: 92
A wash of elegant liquid offers a whisper of sleek tannins guided by sweet earth, slate, purple plum, and black olive. Midpoint savory notes of fig, toasted cedar, and black tea meld with heather and blackberry on the well- structured and impeccably balanced palate.