Today’s Clos Du Val 2013 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a 95 point stunner. We bought up every last case that was available, but this wine will not last the day. With such a big score - and such limited availability - our Operatives will gobble up our supply in short order.

This blockbuster wine is rich, warm and layered, with aromas of blackberry pie, black cherry, red currant, baker’s chocolate, pencil shavings, coffee grounds, sweet wood and black pepper.

The palate is bold and richly layered, with flavors of stewed plum, blackberry, and black cherry, dark chocolate, leather, baking spice, darkly toasted oak, espresso bean, black pepper, smoke and subtle dark herbs.

Clos Du Val, which is French for “small vineyard estate of a small valley,” was founded in 1972 in the legendary Stags Leap District by Franco-American entrepreneur John Goelet. Monsieur Goelet conducted a global search for vineyards where he could build a world class winery - and craft world-class wines. His search ended with the purchase of 150 acres in Stags Leap and 180 acres in Carneros.

In 2012, Clos Du Val’s Winemaker Kristy Melton became only the third winemaker in the four-decade history of Clos Du Val. Her previous postings have included Seresin Estate in New Zealand, Iron Horse and Saintsbury in California. We are blessed, today, to be able to enjoy her stunning 95 point 2013 Cabernet, the winery’s flagship wine.

–Accolades–

“The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon is striking. Powerful and dense in the glass, with utterly mesmerizing balance, the 2013 hits all the right spots. Graphite, smoke, grilled herbs, black cherries and incense form a tapestry of aromas and flavors that simply dazzles. The 2013 needs time in bottle for the tannins to soften, but it is a real head-turner. The combination of intense tannin and opulent fruit is classic 2013.” - 95 points - Antonio Galloni (10/2015)