94
points
Clos du Val 1999 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
-
$95
Another classic wine from this fine Napa producer, and one that will live for a long time in your cellar. It is young and tight now, but through the tannins and acids the palate detects gobs of lush, ripe blackcurrants and plums, herbs and tobacco. The tannins are a wonder—rich, thick and intricate, and fully ripe. As good as it is now, this lovely wine will get…
— S.H.
(11/15/2003)
94
points
Clos du Val 1997 Vineyard Georges III Cabernet Sauvignon (Rutherford)
-
$48
Impeccable fruit shines like a beacon. Opens with rich black-cherry and chocolate aromas, with beautifully poised earth and tobacco notes. In the mouth, the fruit speaks in sweet black-cherry and currant tones, and again, the tobacco accents pop up. Big, but refined; the mouthfeel is compelling; the full, even tannins portend a fine, long future.
— W.E.
(11/1/2000)
93
points
Clos du Val 2007 Three Graces Blend Red (Napa Valley)
-
$65
Clos du Val has always made wines with long-term cellaring in mind. This blend, based on Cabernet Sauvignon, is dry and tannic, with spicy, toasty oak dominating. Beneath that are rich, compelling notes of cassis and dark chocolate. The alcohol is refeshingly low, below 14%. This dramatic wine needs a minimum of six years, and should develop for at least ten.
— S.H.
(6/1/2011)