Drinking beautifully now this 2009 Cabernet is a delicious. Leather and lead pencil aromas with ripe blackberry Palate is well integrated with tannins and fruits and acid all seamless Impressive wine from start to finish
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Drank alongside the Canon ‘07 and d’Issan ‘05 and was not out of place. Nicely balanced, fruit still prominent and a smooth finish. Probably at its peak but should have another five years of life left in it.
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A good lighter style cab. Lightly acidic with nice crisp color. But some tannins to add texture. I don’t think it’s likely to get any better so would consume now. A perfect match to salmon or halibut. Might not hold up as well with a porterhouse.
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Ok wine that needs to be comsumed. No real complexity but happy to drink. Paired with a single vineyard Clos du Val 1999 which actually had a lot more life.
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Decanted 2 hours, some sediment. Nose of cherry and black currants, good fruit, great balance and long finish. Very happy with this wine, drinking well now, will hold for years to come. Such a shame that they stopped making the lower cost "Napa" Blend. If you have these, give them some air. Clos Du Val cabs always (in my experience) need some time in the decanter to unwind and show their stuff.
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Drank over two nights with burgers and mixed grill fare. Held up well. Softening up nicely. Dark fruit is potent and emerges with more air. Coffee, savory soy sauce and herb notes linger through the palate into the finish. Quite linear, but balanced. Drink over the next year or two, 2018-2020. Technical score: 91. Enjoyment score: 90.
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mild aromas of dark fruit and earthy funk, flavors come around to classic faded Napa cassis, moderate finish past its prime, but if you drink it soon and like old world Napa cab, you will enjoy, especially with beef.
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Its an interesting bottle. I do agree with a previous reviewer that it's a little past its prime. A little funky on the nose. It has more spice than I'm expecting from a Cab. Much earthy flavors. A bit of rotting vegetation in a good way. Vanilla. Aromatic on the palate. Some oak.
A very complex wine, but a bit past its prime and not as well structured as I had hoped from Clos Du Val.
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This was solid after a good decant and opened up and smoothed out very nicely! This bottle wasn't stored in the best of conditions before I got it....so it was probably already on the downward path....but enjoyable anyway!
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Consistent with previous notes 15 months ago. More dark fruit and blackcurrant on the palate, but this still has a potent, herby, even green savory streak which balances out the sweet cassis nicely.
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Still fresh on the nose with plum, blackberry, graphite and a touch of alcohol. First pour, closed with a minimum of fruit. You can tell this needs 20-30 mins to open. After 30 mins, fruit-forward with subdued plum, black currant and blackberry and a mid-palate of subtle dark chocolate with a very short finish. The acidity is medium-high, but it is the tannin that is interesting. Softer than when young, although chewy and strangely mouth-filling without being very drying. Not unpleasant, but past its prime drinking window. Great value Napa Cab when young. Losing a couple of points with age. Drink-up!
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84% Cab, 6-1/2% Merlot, 6-1/2% Cab Franc and 3% Petite Verdot. Decanted 3-1/2 hours. Some sediment. Dark purple center to edge. Quiet but complex nose of paint thinner (nttanwwt), black cherry, black currents and barnyard. Tastes of black cherry and currents with a touch of oak. Good acidity. Tannins well resolved. Medium finish. Drink now or over the next 5 years.
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Great QPR. Old world style and needs many more years, but this went good with stuffed sausage red pepper. Basic, simple, won't get any more interesting but it will eventually become more open. Drink now but for best window, I'd say 2018-2025.
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Very dark purple colour; dusty tannins and earth on the nose, somewhat muted although opens up with a solid decant with some woody notes coming through; full bodied on the palate, dark red and black fruits, stewed fruits, quite zingy; medium acid, pleasant mouthfeel with ripening tannins. Overall a very enjoyable Napa Cab Sauv. Seems to be coming into its prime but should go for another 5-10 years pretty easily.
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Maroonish ruby colour. Took about an hour to breathe. I think that helped this wine open up a little better. The nose is quite pleasant. The flavour is rich, with good balance between fruity tones and other types of flavour. Reasonably priced at $16.50 for a half bottle. Good on its own, then paired well with pepperoni pizza. Overall value: 4 stars of 5. Overall impression: Very Good.
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Tasted over two days. Agree with others who are indicating this to be more of an old world style than new world. On the first night the fruit was very restrained and the tannins prominent with a slight oak note. It came across as almost bitter. After leaving overnight vacuvin'd in bottle, the fruit rounded out quite a bit, even started showing the first signs of oxidation. Still, the tannins were still on full display and rather unyielding. This wine should be treated as an age-able old world red and be given 5 or 10 more years to start showing its true potential.
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While familiar with Clos du Val, this is the first time I've had he Cabernet. Pleasant enough, but I'd call it a simple representation of Cabernet, with less depth than I imagined it would have. Would buy again.
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First of several bottles for the evening with friends, so memory is a tad bit sketchy. Young, nice solid feel, oaky and dry. Slight fruit and lil pepper. Solid cab, but not the classic big and bold napa cab. We all went "mmmmm" after tasting. Decanted one hour approx. Bought it to drink in 2014 and 2015, specifically for some big ol greasy ribeyes on the grill. Snuck in to it out of curiosity.
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This was tight and dry. Very much like the an old School cab sav. Needs more time. Decanting did help but expected more Not bad. Not great. Just fine. Yum and a half
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Great color of ruby. With some slight purple edge. Black cherry, cedar, menthol, strawberry, sandlewood on the nose. Some what tight at one hr decant. Mouth feel velvety with cherry, black fruit, oak and graphite, drying tannins. Probably needs some time in the cellar.
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Read some comments and have to agree, a bit young for this one. Nose not too strong, has a bit of the berry to it (cherry), tartness/closedness on the palate. My thinking is this was not meant to be drunk yet...
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Decanted 30 min. Moderately fruity aroma, dark fruits. Fruit on palate with mild acidity. Not overly complex nor out of balance. Solid cab, medium finish with more fruit and tannins - would benefit from a little bit more time.
This is still young, but right down my alley on overall profile. Still very tannic and dry, but balanced by excellent dark fruit and earthy/vegetal notes. Nice finish with good acidity. Not your typical over the top ripe CA cab, so kudos for the old school approach.
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good drinkable cab. too tight upon opening so let it breathe for an hour. black fruit on nose and palate, lightly tannic. good with food. a nice everyday wine.
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84% Cab Sauv, 7% Merlot, 6% Cab Franc, 3% Petit Verdot. Ripe black fruit, cedar oak and toast aromas. Smooth mouthfeel with chocolate, blackberry and blackcurrant flavours on the palate. Silky tannins, but a touch spicy on the mid-palate. Finish is long.
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Closed initially. Started giving up some nose and fruit at 10 minutes. A bit thin, but pleasant, with firm tannins. Decent acidity to pair with a meal. A solid 88-89 wine and decent value. I prefer Freemark Abbey for an "every day" cabernet.
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This took a bit to open up, was very tight for more than the 1st hour. Very deep purple with beautifully formed legs. Rich, bright nose, blackberries, black cherries, dust & leather. Some of the same in the palate as well, more black fruit, raisins, oak is present but not overwhelming, tobacco and a bit of green veggies for good measure. Medium finish, chock full of dark cocoa and espresso. Its body falls somewhere between medium & full, and the acidity is perfect, though even after 4 hours the tannins continue to make their presence known. Leads me to believe there is decent life in this wine, 5+ years for sure. At typically less than $30, this is a great value in Napa cab.
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Pretty purple in glass, with gorgeous aromas of black fruit and vanilla. Palate opens softly, but with flavors of blackberry pie, a touch of smoke and vanilla, and some cedar that develops into a long and pleasant finish. Sweet, soft tannins provide structure and balance in this very old-school and very good bottling. Only 13.5% ABV, and a refreshing change from in-your-face monsters, but still with classic CS flavors from great fruit. We were impressed.
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This is the best Clos du Val in years. Noticeably more depth than recent vintages, with structure and focus to back it up. I'd call this a success for Clos du Val.
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Enjoyed this wine and feel it's of good value at $19.99 (costco) I'll be picking up a few more of these and will be letting a couple sit for a few years to see what changes
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Clos Du Val Winetasting (Specs Austin, TX (Brodie Lane)): Dark full bodied ruby colored Cabernet. Blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, equal amounts of Merlot and Cabernet Franc and about 3% Petit Verdot. All grapes are estate grown from Stags Leap, Yountville, and Rutherford; however, the Napa "cab blend" is made from the younger vines and grapes not used for the Stags Leap Cab and other higher end flagship products. Full bodied, dark ruby colored Cabernet. Nice aromatics with plenty of currant, and dark cherries on the nose with some faint earthiness in the background. Lots of dark black and red fruit flavors with some chocolate and expresso on the back of the palate. Well integrated and approachable tannins. Very nice finish. A nice weekend drinker with a good QPR at $25.
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3/5/2023 - @sebastienwine Likes this wine: 93 Points
Drinking beautifully now this 2009 Cabernet is a delicious. Leather and lead pencil aromas with ripe blackberry Palate is well integrated with tannins and fruits and acid all seamless
Impressive wine from start to finish
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10/10/2020 - phynes wrote: 92 Points
Drank alongside the Canon ‘07 and d’Issan ‘05 and was not out of place. Nicely balanced, fruit still prominent and a smooth finish. Probably at its peak but should have another five years of life left in it.
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5/14/2019 - baschneider Likes this wine: 90 Points
A good lighter style cab. Lightly acidic with nice crisp color. But some tannins to add texture. I don’t think it’s likely to get any better so would consume now. A perfect match to salmon or halibut. Might not hold up as well with a porterhouse.
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9/29/2018 - joraesque wrote: 90 Points
A riper-style vintage.
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9/15/2018 - winoma Likes this wine: 88 Points
Nice wine with some fruit and balance but short finish
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9/15/2018 - winoma Likes this wine: 87 Points
Ok wine that needs to be comsumed. No real complexity but happy to drink. Paired with a single vineyard Clos du Val 1999 which actually had a lot more life.
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6/9/2018 - Berge65 wrote: 88 Points
I think this bottle may have been corked. Frank to much before to be sure
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5/6/2018 - timbobwhite Likes this wine: 93 Points
Decanted 2 hours, some sediment. Nose of cherry and black currants, good fruit, great balance and long finish. Very happy with this wine, drinking well now, will hold for years to come. Such a shame that they stopped making the lower cost "Napa" Blend. If you have these, give them some air. Clos Du Val cabs always (in my experience) need some time in the decanter to unwind and show their stuff.
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4/22/2018 - jlhkiss Likes this wine: 91 Points
Drank over two nights with burgers and mixed grill fare. Held up well. Softening up nicely. Dark fruit is potent and emerges with more air. Coffee, savory soy sauce and herb notes linger through the palate into the finish. Quite linear, but balanced. Drink over the next year or two, 2018-2020. Technical score: 91. Enjoyment score: 90.
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3/18/2018 - jlhkiss Likes this wine: 88 Points
Seemed thin and hollow. Either past its prime or had an off bottle. Will evaluate another bottle soon. Technical score: 88. Enjoyment score: 87.
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9/8/2017 - EdKz@comcast.net Likes this wine: 91 Points
mild aromas of dark fruit and earthy funk, flavors come around to classic faded Napa cassis, moderate finish past its prime, but if you drink it soon and like old world Napa cab, you will enjoy, especially with beef.
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9/3/2017 - kmicho Likes this wine: 88 Points
Its an interesting bottle. I do agree with a previous reviewer that it's a little past its prime. A little funky on the nose. It has more spice than I'm expecting from a Cab. Much earthy flavors. A bit of rotting vegetation in a good way. Vanilla. Aromatic on the palate. Some oak.
A very complex wine, but a bit past its prime and not as well structured as I had hoped from Clos Du Val.
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3/4/2017 - Colorado3G Likes this wine: 89 Points
This was solid after a good decant and opened up and smoothed out very nicely! This bottle wasn't stored in the best of conditions before I got it....so it was probably already on the downward path....but enjoyable anyway!
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9/14/2016 - jlhkiss Likes this wine: 90 Points
Consistent with previous notes 15 months ago. More dark fruit and blackcurrant on the palate, but this still has a potent, herby, even green savory streak which balances out the sweet cassis nicely.
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8/4/2016 - djlevin wrote: 88 Points
Still fresh on the nose with plum, blackberry, graphite and a touch of alcohol. First pour, closed with a minimum of fruit. You can tell this needs 20-30 mins to open. After 30 mins, fruit-forward with subdued plum, black currant and blackberry and a mid-palate of subtle dark chocolate with a very short finish. The acidity is medium-high, but it is the tannin that is interesting. Softer than when young, although chewy and strangely mouth-filling without being very drying. Not unpleasant, but past its prime drinking window. Great value Napa Cab when young. Losing a couple of points with age. Drink-up!
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4/17/2016 - timbobwhite Likes this wine: 92 Points
84% Cab, 6-1/2% Merlot, 6-1/2% Cab Franc and 3% Petite Verdot. Decanted 3-1/2 hours. Some sediment. Dark purple center to edge. Quiet but complex nose of paint thinner (nttanwwt), black cherry, black currents and barnyard. Tastes of black cherry and currents with a touch of oak. Good acidity. Tannins well resolved. Medium finish. Drink now or over the next 5 years.
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11/27/2015 - Jarndyce wrote: 89 Points
Drank after the 08 Freemark Abbey-was a step down
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9/27/2015 - redz wrote: 91 Points
What a difference a year can make. Has mellowed nicely, 2 hr decant
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7/9/2015 - jlhkiss Likes this wine: 90 Points
Great QPR. Old world style and needs many more years, but this went good with stuffed sausage red pepper. Basic, simple, won't get any more interesting but it will eventually become more open. Drink now but for best window, I'd say 2018-2025.
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5/30/2015 - DanCulpitt Likes this wine: 91 Points
Very dark purple colour; dusty tannins and earth on the nose, somewhat muted although opens up with a solid decant with some woody notes coming through; full bodied on the palate, dark red and black fruits, stewed fruits, quite zingy; medium acid, pleasant mouthfeel with ripening tannins. Overall a very enjoyable Napa Cab Sauv. Seems to be coming into its prime but should go for another 5-10 years pretty easily.
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12/20/2014 - redz wrote: 88 Points
medium body, tart, not what I'd expect from clos. Maybe more time
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10/20/2014 - PourSomeRed wrote: 88 Points
Solid Cabernet vintage after vintage. Nice Balance. Drinking well but no rush to drink the last 2 that I have.
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10/2/2014 - Ombibulous Likes this wine: 86 Points
Maroonish ruby colour. Took about an hour to breathe. I think that helped this wine open up a little better. The nose is quite pleasant. The flavour is rich, with good balance between fruity tones and other types of flavour. Reasonably priced at $16.50 for a half bottle. Good on its own, then paired well with pepperoni pizza. Overall value: 4 stars of 5. Overall impression: Very Good.
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9/6/2014 - jlhkiss Likes this wine: 90 Points
Still hard edges, but it has a very nice herbal nose and soy sauce savory streak.
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7/28/2014 - suburbanfrog Likes this wine: 87 Points
Nice dark color with a good tannic structure, but the flavors a on the light side. Nose shows black pepper along with fruit.
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4/26/2014 - PIntag wrote: 89 Points
Tasted over two days. Agree with others who are indicating this to be more of an old world style than new world. On the first night the fruit was very restrained and the tannins prominent with a slight oak note. It came across as almost bitter. After leaving overnight vacuvin'd in bottle, the fruit rounded out quite a bit, even started showing the first signs of oxidation. Still, the tannins were still on full display and rather unyielding. This wine should be treated as an age-able old world red and be given 5 or 10 more years to start showing its true potential.
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4/22/2014 - dars_blog Likes this wine: 90 Points
Opened up nicely over a couple days. A velvety texture with aromas and flavors of dark fruits.
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1/1/2014 - Gparker Likes this wine:
Always a solid old world style cab and not the Napa fruit bomb that some expect. A go-to red meat wine.
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12/7/2013 - jlhkiss Likes this wine: 88 Points
Definitely drink this with food, preferably savory, spicy or fatty.
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8/12/2013 - ericjabel wrote: 88 Points
While familiar with Clos du Val, this is the first time I've had he Cabernet. Pleasant enough, but I'd call it a simple representation of Cabernet, with less depth than I imagined it would have. Would buy again.
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6/22/2013 - TonyHamlin Likes this wine: 89 Points
First of several bottles for the evening with friends, so memory is a tad bit sketchy.
Young, nice solid feel, oaky and dry. Slight fruit and lil pepper.
Solid cab, but not the classic big and bold napa cab.
We all went "mmmmm" after tasting. Decanted one hour approx.
Bought it to drink in 2014 and 2015, specifically for some big ol greasy ribeyes on the grill. Snuck in to it out of curiosity.
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6/8/2013 - Aideng12 wrote: 88 Points
Still young, but smooth.
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5/31/2013 - TonyHamlin wrote: 89 Points
Oops, wrong wine.
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5/21/2013 - KPB wrote: 90 Points
Quite a nice wine. Balanced, medium-weight, long mineral driven finish, fruit ripe but not overripe. Needed an hour to open up.
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5/7/2013 - Martnmac wrote: 86 Points
This was tight and dry. Very much like the an old School cab sav. Needs more time. Decanting did help but expected more Not bad. Not great. Just fine. Yum and a half
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5/4/2013 - wynnewood500 Likes this wine:
Popped and poured at a BBQ restaurant. Started out a bit rough but came together pretty quickly. Held up to the spiciness of the BBQ.
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4/30/2013 - vikingbass71 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Great color of ruby. With some slight purple edge. Black cherry, cedar, menthol, strawberry, sandlewood on the nose. Some what tight at one hr decant. Mouth feel velvety with cherry, black fruit, oak and graphite, drying tannins. Probably needs some time in the cellar.
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4/21/2013 - Patrickmcw wrote: 88 Points
Read some comments and have to agree, a bit young for this one. Nose not too strong, has a bit of the berry to it (cherry), tartness/closedness on the palate. My thinking is this was not meant to be drunk yet...
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3/23/2013 - WCH3GA Likes this wine: 89 Points
Peppery and fruity, likes the decanter for about two hours.
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3/18/2013 - GTFreek wrote:
Blind tasted and corked! oops...
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2/23/2013 - stacidill207@gmail.com wrote: 85 Points
Was underwhelmed..Ok, but def not worth the $27..
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2/22/2013 - tindallb wrote: 88 Points
Decanted 30 min. Moderately fruity aroma, dark fruits. Fruit on palate with mild acidity. Not overly complex nor out of balance. Solid cab, medium finish with more fruit and tannins - would benefit from a little bit more time.
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1/13/2013 - Seth n Jamie wrote: 86 Points
Needs time. Others liked more than I did.
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1/11/2013 - SCMeyer Likes this wine: 91 Points
This is still young, but right down my alley on overall profile. Still very tannic and dry, but balanced by excellent dark fruit and earthy/vegetal notes. Nice finish with good acidity. Not your typical over the top ripe CA cab, so kudos for the old school approach.
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12/27/2012 - Poliosis wrote: 89 Points
good drinkable cab. too tight upon opening so let it breathe for an hour. black fruit on nose and palate, lightly tannic. good with food. a nice everyday wine.
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12/22/2012 - cono_sur Likes this wine: 89 Points
84% Cab Sauv, 7% Merlot, 6% Cab Franc, 3% Petit Verdot. Ripe black fruit, cedar oak and toast aromas. Smooth mouthfeel with chocolate, blackberry and blackcurrant flavours on the palate. Silky tannins, but a touch spicy on the mid-palate. Finish is long.
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11/27/2012 - lifebreath wrote: 88 Points
Closed initially. Started giving up some nose and fruit at 10 minutes. A bit thin, but pleasant, with firm tannins. Decent acidity to pair with a meal. A solid 88-89 wine and decent value. I prefer Freemark Abbey for an "every day" cabernet.
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11/9/2012 - jtinto Likes this wine: 89 Points
Exceeded my expectations. Great value in sub $30 Napa Cabernet. Would definitely buy again.
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10/8/2012 - LHH001 wrote: 92 Points
Fantastic for the price - very nice nose.
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10/8/2012 - mikev101 wrote: 92 Points
My new favorite sub-30.00 Napa Cab...will be picking up more for sure.
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9/28/2012 - Auopachara wrote: 89 Points
After breath 15 minute american oakwood smell and blackberry taste really nice hard body good pairing with Pan fried Foie gras
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7/6/2012 - whineoh3 wrote: 89 Points
Purple color with a sweet black fruit nose. Lots of black cherry and tannin, some cassis and black currant. Needs a couple of years to develop.
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6/29/2012 - mguglielmo Likes this wine: 88 Points
This took a bit to open up, was very tight for more than the 1st hour. Very deep purple with beautifully formed legs. Rich, bright nose, blackberries, black cherries, dust & leather. Some of the same in the palate as well, more black fruit, raisins, oak is present but not overwhelming, tobacco and a bit of green veggies for good measure. Medium finish, chock full of dark cocoa and espresso. Its body falls somewhere between medium & full, and the acidity is perfect, though even after 4 hours the tannins continue to make their presence known. Leads me to believe there is decent life in this wine, 5+ years for sure. At typically less than $30, this is a great value in Napa cab.
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6/24/2012 - Snoman wrote: 89 Points
Pretty purple in glass, with gorgeous aromas of black fruit and vanilla. Palate opens softly, but with flavors of blackberry pie, a touch of smoke and vanilla, and some cedar that develops into a long and pleasant finish. Sweet, soft tannins provide structure and balance in this very old-school and very good bottling. Only 13.5% ABV, and a refreshing change from in-your-face monsters, but still with classic CS flavors from great fruit. We were impressed.
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6/22/2012 - THA wrote: 91 Points
This is the best Clos du Val in years. Noticeably more depth than recent vintages, with structure and focus to back it up. I'd call this a success for Clos du Val.
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6/11/2012 - sipnwine Likes this wine:
Enjoyed this wine and feel it's of good value at $19.99 (costco)
I'll be picking up a few more of these and will be letting a couple sit for a few years to see what changes
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6/11/2012 - vine20 wrote: 88 Points
Purple color with a sweet black fruit nose. Lots of black cherry and tannin, some cassis and black currant. Needs a couple of years to develop.
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6/5/2012 - wmccone54 wrote: 89 Points
Clos Du Val Winetasting (Specs Austin, TX (Brodie Lane)): Dark full bodied ruby colored Cabernet. Blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, equal amounts of Merlot and Cabernet Franc and about 3% Petit Verdot. All grapes are estate grown from Stags Leap, Yountville, and Rutherford; however, the Napa "cab blend" is made from the younger vines and grapes not used for the Stags Leap Cab and other higher end flagship products. Full bodied, dark ruby colored Cabernet. Nice aromatics with plenty of currant, and dark cherries on the nose with some faint earthiness in the background. Lots of dark black and red fruit flavors with some chocolate and expresso on the back of the palate. Well integrated and approachable tannins. Very nice finish. A nice weekend drinker with a good QPR at $25.
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