Located in Geyserville, California, Clos du Bois farms approximately 800 acres of vines throughout Sonoma County and Coastal California. While Clos du Bois produces a number of value options, the higher-end MarlstoneBordeaux blend and BriarcrestCabernet Sauvignon are typically the highlights of our Clos du Bois reviews. Clos du Bois is also a Certified California Sustainable Wine growing winery. The winery utilizes over 4,000 solar panels to power practically the entire winery, the equivalent of providing electricity to more than 150 homes a year. Our Clos du Bois ratings below will provide more information on Clos du Bois and the wines it produces.
Made in a leaner, crisper style than many Chards nowadays, this Chardonnay trades power for elegance. It’s almost like a Sauvignon Blanc, with citrusy acids framing flavors of limes, pineapples and green apples that have a minerally edge. New French oak adds just the right touch of richness.
— S.H.
(2/1/2010)
Big, bold and buttery, a full-bodied Chard that takes over the mouth with great assertiveness. There’s a ton of oak and lees, and the wine underwent total malolactic fermentation. The underlying flavors are citrusy, especially limes. This is a very fine Chardonnay, built for big, rich white meat entrées. Editors’ Choice. —S.H.
— S.H.
(2/1/2003)
Always classy, this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec shows richness and complexity. The flavors change constantly, suggesting blackberries, sweet plums, espresso, herbs and chocolate. The tannins are a wonder, soft and gentle.
— S.H.
(10/1/2003)
Made claret style, the fruit and alcohol are restrained, and the wine drinks dry and balanced. Dark cherry and wild berry flavors are mouth-filling and the tannins are complex but approachable. This is a fine example of its appellation and terroir.
— S.H.
(7/1/2002)
What a classic Dry Creek Zin. Good, rich color leads to aromas of of wild berries, herbs and that telltale aroma of brambles, like sun-warmed berry bushes in a thorny patch on a hot day. Brilliant and pure in the mouth, lush and ripe in flavor and dry tannins, but keeps Zin’s wild, succulent edge. —S.H.
— S.H.
(2/1/2003)
Distinctive and individualistic, with mineral, apricot, citrus and wildflower notes—not your typical Chardonnay. This is possibly the result of clonal variations. The wine drinks smooth, creamy, dry and complex, with a peppery finish. —S.H.
— S.H.
(2/1/2003)
This Cab is dry, fruity, soft and gentle, with extra nuances of complexity. It’s deep in blackberry and chocolate flavors, and an intricately detailed balance of acids, tannins, alcohol and oak. Not an ager, but absolutely delicious from the get-go.
— S.H.
(12/1/2005)
Clos du Bois over the years has not produced great Merlot, but that may be changing, to judge from this wine, their best Merlot ever. It’s lush and dry, with ripe blackberry and cherry pie filling and dark chocolate flavors. Yet it’s not simple, offering layers of herbs, spices and oak and a good interplay of acids and tannins.
— S.H.
(2/1/2007)