Was expecting a little more bricking / garnet color, but this is still a bright and concentrated ruby. If that’s indicative of the style here, this wine still has plenty of time to develop. Oak is pronounced (vanilla, light butterscotch) with underlying fruit (rich black berries) and wisps of green and black pepper. Acid feels harsh and lingers with a buzzing intensity. Not sure if that will integrate, because the tannins feel primed and softened. Wanting more depth of fruit towards the finish.
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82% Cab S., 9% Cab Franc, 6% Merlot, 3% Petite Verdot. Double decant 2 hours. Some chunky sediment. Tight, dusky nose. Licorice, graphite and dark fruit. Good grip and solid tannins. Not as nuanced as previous vintages, but still excellent value. There is no rush to drink these. Built for the long haul.
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2 hr decant. Colour intact. Slight bricking at the edge. Red and some black fruit on the nose, leather and cigar box. Palate follows the nose. Balanced, with the leather and cigar a major flavour profile overlapping the fruit. Medium plus finish. Drinking well now.
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Medium-deep ruby. Mild nose - dusty raspberry and cherry with a slight sanguine note. High acid, high tannin, medium alcohol. Some mild blackberry and cherry flavors, but more forward oaky flavors - anise, leather, clove. Like on the nose, the palate has an edge of uncooked meat. Medium finish. Very good wine that is starting to mellow.
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Dark ruby with slow legs. Fragrant nose-dark fruit and cherry. Medium body. Smooth. Tart cherry, vanilla, spice, and raspberry on the palate. Tart, long finish with spice and pepper.
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See previous note. PNP (decanted for sediment). Very tight, but notes of cherry. Good balance, but not much depth. Tannins begin to show at a couple of hours. This is tighter than any CDV cab I've ever had. I'm inclined to let the others rest for a couple of more years. Similar impressions of 2013 as well. Does this represent a change in house style? I believe they pulled back to Estate only grapes in 2012 or 2013.
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Much improved over three years ago. The nose is now nicely floral and perfumed, with cherry blossoms, lavender, and cinnamon toast. The palate is medium-full, square, concentrated, and juicy, bringing deep blackberry, blackcurrant, plums, and mixed dark berries. The finish is still thick with tannins but getting more refined. Drink 2020-2028. Technical score: 91. Enjoyment score: 91.
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Drank with a veal chop done with sautéed tomato and arugula... This wine is drinking amazing right now... This wine is a testament to why you should Cellar wine. It has only improved with age.
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In the glass, dark ruby core(pretty much opaque) extending all thr way to rim practically. Nose of black fruits, a bit of tobacco and a little green pepper. On the palate same black fruits, well integrated oak and medium minus alcohol. Lengthy finish. Imho this still has 5-8 years left , maybe more. Drinking in its prime now though!
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82% Cab S., 9% Cab Franc, 6% Merlot, 3% Petite Verdot. 2Hr. Double decant more fine than heavy sediment. Stand the next for a day or two. Bright nose of cherry to start. Promising. Curious. This was more aromatic on opening than it was two hours later. Shut down. Not seen with CDV wines before. Always slow to open but always much better with air. Nothing off, but nose and mouth were distant, short finish. What I did get was black currant and cherry in nose and mouth. Slightly better after 3 hours in the glass, but not what I'm accustomed to with this house. Curious. May open another yet this year, but perhaps PNP - usually not a good idea, but I think this one might have been better that way.
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Excellent QPR (hence the high score). Inexpensive Napa Cab that actually smells and tastes of actual Cabernet Sauvignon grapes - a rarity in modern Napa. Would revisit in 3 yrs or so.
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Balanced perfectly, classic cab of black fruit, a little, very little (green) pepper, and tobacco. Oak nonexistent. Finely grained tannins with a med plus finish. Solid
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82% C.S., 9% C.F., 6% Merlot, & 3% Petit Verdot (61% Estate Fruit) from vines 12-29 years old planted in gravelly, clay loam soils; "Traditional fermentation in s/s tanks with 2 pumpovers daily; Aged 18 mos 25% new oak;" 14.1% ABV, 5.1g/L T.A., & 3.70 pH; 32,350 cases produced & bottled June 2014;
N: Closed; Choc with berries & undertones of pyrazines
P: MF body; Almost swtish frt met by some firming acidic astringency which ebbs & flows into the LONG, ult VERY slightly bitter/swt choc finish with the emphasis more on the swtness. Not at ALL tired, this could EASILY be cellared into '19 before drinking, though the current mid-P astringency isn't at all problematic with food. 92 pts (2x) winereviewonline , 91 & "Cellar Selection" from WE @ $38, & 90 (Apstein) winereviewonline ;
Day 3 // IF anything, more attractive, so I have to assume this is likely to make at LEAST its 10th yr! :)
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Terrific QPR - hence the score. Still too young, but we needed to free up more space asap, so I opened one of my three bottles. More Old Napa than New Napa (a plus, for my palate). Varietally correct. Elegance and restraint (relatively speaking), thanks to some acidity and minerality balancing the delicious fruit (mostly blackberries and black cherries). Dry tannins, not yet fully integrated. Oak not obtrusive. Leather and Provencal herbs. Very enjoyable. Promising future. I would revisit in 2020-2021. Pleasantly surprised that an under $30 with Napa CS grape exists and delivers.
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Dry, well-balanced, and linear, this is more of a traditional style Napa cab. Dark fruit is subdued by rich oak and savory notes of herbs, dried leather, and tobacco. The finish is still quite tannic. Should last through 2027. Technical score: 89. Enjoyment score: 88.
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The wine looks garnet colored. The legs are medium. There is no sediment in the bottle. It smells like stoniness, forest floor and blackberry. The body is full. The wine has smooth texture. The wine finishes medium. The wine has low acidity.
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Dark ruby red color with a nose of dark fruit. Tastes fruity with blackberries, black cherries, and oak. No graphite, tar, or chocolate. Lacks the richness, mouthfeel, and complexity of more expensive Napa Cabs, but great QPR at $21. Excellent everyday drinker.
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Really good QPR. Hard to find cabs with Napa fruit this good in the $20-30 range. More Old Napa than New Napa (thankfully, in my opinion). Varietally correct. Elegance and restraint (relatively speaking), thanks to some acidity and minerality balancing the delicious fruit (mostly blackberries and black cherries). Well made, if simple and one dimensional. Very easy to drink. Will revisit in a year.
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deep dark red, medium clarity, burgundy hue Nose: deep berries, cola, wet earth, tobacco, silver, thyme, oak Pal: deep berries, cola, wet earth, tobacco, silver, thyme, oak Feel: medium, full Finish: medium T7
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For me, the nose was monotone—and the palate equally so. It's drinkable, and it's fine, but it's also typical of California cabs, and perhaps that's a formula I've simply grown tired of. Same old grape, same old treatment, same old influence and flavors from the barrel. I guess I'm just looking for more adventure in my wines these days. Wouldn't go out of my way to have it again.
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Mistakenly opened this instead of the 2013. A bit of a hot mess initially, seemingly over-extracted. Turns more seamless with time. Began showing more complexity with air, hitting the sweet spot one hour in, when it exhibited notes of bitter cherries, anise, and eucalyptus in addition to the initial sour cherries -- then 20 minutes later it got weird, exhibiting a saccharin-like note on the finish. Virginie Boone had it right: "given time, its sense of elegance should rule over its power." 14.1 % ABV. 88-90+
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from 375; dark ruby in the glass, nose was reticent at first, but became more expressive as it sat in the glass. Purple and red fruits, a bit of leather and a touch of smoke. Palate was nicely balanced and included the fruit, a touch of toasty oak and a pleasant touch of tannin on the finish. Very enjoyable.
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Dark color and fruit forward. Full hints of jam and black fruits initially but the finish falls flat. Mild tannins that opened up further as the wine aired out. Nothing special here but a great everyday Cab.
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Showed somewhat better than the last time I tasted this wine (December 2015). The blackfruit notes through the middle (blackberry, currant and licorice) seemed a little bit smoother and had a little more depth to them. The finish, while still short, seemed better integrated with the body of the wine. However, overall, remains a wine that I wouldn't be particularly excited to drink, particularly at a $28 price. While it will probably hold at this level for a bit, I don't see any great potential here for positive future evolution.
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ruby red, well balanced and restrained napa valley cabernet. Good clean fruit and moderate tannins. Quintessential food wine. Clos du val remains the antithesis of powerful unbalanced heavy cabernets. I would put this on par with a non classified St. Estephe That said, a little too "polished" and just not very expressive compared to my recollection of other CDV vintages. Looking forward to trying the 2013 which I hear is great. 87-89
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Had in restaurant. Decent cab. Drinking well now. Fruit forward with tame tannins. Well balanced. This is a wine to drink right now. I wouldn't bother cellaring.
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Actually surprised this was much better than I expected - for this price seems to be a good value. Nice grippy tannins without being overly oaked or jammy.
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Funny -- bought this thinking I was getting a 2013, and cracked it open with slight disappointment that it didn't match the flavor profile described. Then I noticed the vintage and went "oops." But no matter -- this is really good. Ready to drink but also holds on for a nice Day Two. No qualms recommending this for the price.
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Quick double decant before drinking, probably helped. I don't buy or drink much CA Cab anymore but this was a nice find for $25 on sale. More classically styled and great with burgers tonight. Tannins could use a little more time to meld and a couple years might unleash a bit more depth. Oak was in check. Solid value. 14.1 Alc
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Dark garnet color turning violet at the rim with a transparent edge. The nose is attractively perfumed with candied berries, chocolate, vanilla, and toasted oak. The palate gives off a full body with a refined fleshy texture. Flavors of blackberry, dark chocolate, espresso, scorched earth and roasted dried herbs are amplified while still in its youth. This is beautifully structured and elegantly balances the tension between ripe fruits of the vintage with its dry character, bright acidity, toasty oak and Napa earth nuances. Finishes long and juicy. This is just great - one that hasn't come since the great 2007 vintage. Drink now until 2022. 92+
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From such a strong vintage, this was a bit of a disappointment. Pleasant nose and shows soft, accessible blackfruit flavors through the middle including blackberry, currant and licorice. Relatively short on the finish. Has a bit more depth than the merlot and some mid-palate nuances, but this is still an early drinking wine that while mostly varietally correct, doesn't have much to recommend it, especially at the $28 price point.
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Absolutely disgusting. Tastes like chaptalized junk. I remember having very good Clos du Val from vintages in the early/mid 90s to which this bears no resemblance.
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Delicate on the palate, nuances rather than intense in style, beautiful nose, while enjoyable, lacked the complexity I hoped for with the price, $30 in PA.
Black cherry, hazelnut, currant, rum cake and cardamon. Long and sophisticated,with fine tannins that help delineate. A little sage. Decanted for two hours. Drink now - 2025.
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Drink now, blackberry and light alcohol to nose. You salivate big time after drinking. Use those with fat and you will be in heaven. It's a fat wine. Use with fatty foods and love it...otherwise choose a different wine for drinking solo or low fat.
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Tasted at Clos du Val, thank you Jim for the pour. Nose of lovely, rich, dark cherry fruit, ashy, oaky, more of the same on the palate, medium body, tasty but a touch simple, medium finish, probably better in a year or two.
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disappointing. Having enjoyed this "entry level" Clos du Val in the past, I was eagerly awaiting the arrival of the 2012 in my local wine store. Maybe this will develop into something in the future, but at this point, this is neither expressive nor distinctive. I really struggled to pick up any classic Cab notes. In terms of 2012 Napa Cabs, I think the Hess Allomi 2012 is a better buy for less money. One note is that Clos du Val label this as "Napa", but right on their website, they say it's blended with Carneros. If you're blending juice, just call it California or North Coast and stop with the marketing BS.
3/1/2024 - Short_Sips wrote:
Was expecting a little more bricking / garnet color, but this is still a bright and concentrated ruby. If that’s indicative of the style here, this wine still has plenty of time to develop. Oak is pronounced (vanilla, light butterscotch) with underlying fruit (rich black berries) and wisps of green and black pepper.
Acid feels harsh and lingers with a buzzing intensity. Not sure if that will integrate, because the tannins feel primed and softened. Wanting more depth of fruit towards the finish.
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10/22/2023 - timbobwhite Likes this wine: 93 Points
82% Cab S., 9% Cab Franc, 6% Merlot, 3% Petite Verdot. Double decant 2 hours. Some chunky sediment. Tight, dusky nose. Licorice, graphite and dark fruit. Good grip and solid tannins. Not as nuanced as previous vintages, but still excellent value. There is no rush to drink these. Built for the long haul.
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1/13/2023 - Redwineobsessed Likes this wine: 91 Points
2 hr decant. Colour intact. Slight bricking at the edge. Red and some black fruit on the nose, leather and cigar box. Palate follows the nose. Balanced, with the leather and cigar a major flavour profile overlapping the fruit. Medium plus finish. Drinking well now.
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2/27/2022 - mmblz Likes this wine: 92 Points
Medium-deep ruby. Mild nose - dusty raspberry and cherry with a slight sanguine note. High acid, high tannin, medium alcohol. Some mild blackberry and cherry flavors, but more forward oaky flavors - anise, leather, clove. Like on the nose, the palate has an edge of uncooked meat. Medium finish. Very good wine that is starting to mellow.
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11/8/2020 - Coswinetaster Likes this wine: 88 Points
Dark ruby with slow legs. Fragrant nose-dark fruit and cherry. Medium body. Smooth. Tart cherry, vanilla, spice, and raspberry on the palate. Tart, long finish with spice and pepper.
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9/26/2020 - timbobwhite Likes this wine: 89 Points
See previous note. PNP (decanted for sediment). Very tight, but notes of cherry. Good balance, but not much depth. Tannins begin to show at a couple of hours. This is tighter than any CDV cab I've ever had. I'm inclined to let the others rest for a couple of more years. Similar impressions of 2013 as well. Does this represent a change in house style? I believe they pulled back to Estate only grapes in 2012 or 2013.
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8/6/2020 - Ranjan wrote: 92 Points
Graphite, old world nose. Leather, tobacco, blackberry, chewy tannins.
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5/25/2020 - Ranjan wrote: 92 Points
Graphite, leathery, moderate fruit. Smooth tannins.
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5/14/2020 - jlhkiss Likes this wine: 91 Points
Much improved over three years ago. The nose is now nicely floral and perfumed, with cherry blossoms, lavender, and cinnamon toast. The palate is medium-full, square, concentrated, and juicy, bringing deep blackberry, blackcurrant, plums, and mixed dark berries. The finish is still thick with tannins but getting more refined. Drink 2020-2028. Technical score: 91. Enjoyment score: 91.
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1/2/2020 - brian_r93 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Drank with a veal chop done with sautéed tomato and arugula... This wine is drinking amazing right now... This wine is a testament to why you should Cellar wine. It has only improved with age.
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10/12/2019 - Muledog71 Likes this wine: 92 Points
In the glass, dark ruby core(pretty much opaque) extending all thr way to rim practically. Nose of black fruits, a bit of tobacco and a little green pepper. On the palate same black fruits, well integrated oak and medium minus alcohol. Lengthy finish. Imho this still has 5-8 years left , maybe more. Drinking in its prime now though!
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3/24/2019 - timbobwhite wrote:
82% Cab S., 9% Cab Franc, 6% Merlot, 3% Petite Verdot. 2Hr. Double decant more fine than heavy sediment. Stand the next for a day or two. Bright nose of cherry to start. Promising. Curious. This was more aromatic on opening than it was two hours later. Shut down. Not seen with CDV wines before. Always slow to open but always much better with air. Nothing off, but nose and mouth were distant, short finish. What I did get was black currant and cherry in nose and mouth. Slightly better after 3 hours in the glass, but not what I'm accustomed to with this house. Curious. May open another yet this year, but perhaps PNP - usually not a good idea, but I think this one might have been better that way.
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12/16/2018 - kmforster Likes this wine: 90 Points
Drinking beautifully right now.
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10/14/2018 - sababa1022 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Drinking brilliantly right now. Classic California Cabernet from the balanced school of winemakers.
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7/5/2018 - bravo.solares Likes this wine: 90 Points
Excellent QPR (hence the high score). Inexpensive Napa Cab that actually smells and tastes of actual Cabernet Sauvignon grapes - a rarity in modern Napa. Would revisit in 3 yrs or so.
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5/8/2018 - Muledog71 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Awesome as usual, kinda my stylistic preference for cab
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3/14/2018 - Muledog71 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Balanced perfectly, classic cab of black fruit, a little, very little (green) pepper, and tobacco. Oak nonexistent. Finely grained tannins with a med plus finish. Solid
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10/14/2017 - srh Likes this wine:
Private Preserve after Day 1
82% C.S., 9% C.F., 6% Merlot, & 3% Petit Verdot (61% Estate Fruit) from vines 12-29 years old planted in gravelly, clay loam soils; "Traditional fermentation in s/s tanks with 2 pumpovers daily; Aged 18 mos 25% new oak;" 14.1% ABV, 5.1g/L T.A., & 3.70 pH; 32,350 cases produced & bottled June 2014;
N: Closed; Choc with berries & undertones of pyrazines
P: MF body; Almost swtish frt met by some firming acidic astringency which ebbs & flows into the LONG, ult VERY slightly bitter/swt choc finish with the emphasis more on the swtness. Not at ALL tired, this could EASILY be cellared into '19 before drinking, though the current mid-P astringency isn't at all problematic with food. 92 pts (2x) winereviewonline , 91 & "Cellar Selection" from WE @ $38, & 90 (Apstein)
winereviewonline ;
Day 3 // IF anything, more attractive, so I have to assume this is likely to make at LEAST its 10th yr! :)
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9/18/2017 - Twitch12 Likes this wine:
Not overly complex, but great value for Napa.
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9/17/2017 - bravo.solares Likes this wine: 90 Points
Terrific QPR - hence the score. Still too young, but we needed to free up more space asap, so I opened one of my three bottles. More Old Napa than New Napa (a plus, for my palate). Varietally correct. Elegance and restraint (relatively speaking), thanks to some acidity and minerality balancing the delicious fruit (mostly blackberries and black cherries). Dry tannins, not yet fully integrated. Oak not obtrusive. Leather and Provencal herbs. Very enjoyable. Promising future. I would revisit in 2020-2021. Pleasantly surprised that an under $30 with Napa CS grape exists and delivers.
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8/25/2017 - OldGrumpy wrote: 82 Points
Not sick
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7/21/2017 - jlhkiss Likes this wine: 88 Points
Dry, well-balanced, and linear, this is more of a traditional style Napa cab. Dark fruit is subdued by rich oak and savory notes of herbs, dried leather, and tobacco. The finish is still quite tannic. Should last through 2027. Technical score: 89. Enjoyment score: 88.
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6/18/2017 - Ranjan wrote: 93 Points
Medium body, berry, cola, leather. Very smooth, balanced, and drinking well.
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5/7/2017 - Wineonavine wrote: 95 Points
The wine looks garnet colored. The legs are medium. There is no sediment in the bottle. It smells like stoniness, forest floor and blackberry. The body is full. The wine has smooth texture. The wine finishes medium. The wine has low acidity.
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3/9/2017 - Endodr Likes this wine: 88 Points
Dark ruby red color with a nose of dark fruit. Tastes fruity with blackberries, black cherries, and oak. No graphite, tar, or chocolate. Lacks the richness, mouthfeel, and complexity of more expensive Napa Cabs, but great QPR at $21. Excellent everyday drinker.
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1/8/2017 - bravo.solares Likes this wine: 90 Points
Really good QPR. Hard to find cabs with Napa fruit this good in the $20-30 range. More Old Napa than New Napa (thankfully, in my opinion). Varietally correct. Elegance and restraint (relatively speaking), thanks to some acidity and minerality balancing the delicious fruit (mostly blackberries and black cherries). Well made, if simple and one dimensional. Very easy to drink. Will revisit in a year.
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12/20/2016 - Frijole wrote:
deep dark red, medium clarity, burgundy hue
Nose: deep berries, cola, wet earth, tobacco, silver, thyme, oak
Pal: deep berries, cola, wet earth, tobacco, silver, thyme, oak
Feel: medium, full
Finish: medium
T7
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11/15/2016 - Ombibulous Likes this wine:
I paid $15 for a half bottle. Not bad. I may buy a more recent vintage for that price.
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11/10/2016 - MPilot wrote: 87 Points
Decent but nothing that makes me yearn for more
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10/28/2016 - westopherguy wrote: 85 Points
For me, the nose was monotone—and the palate equally so. It's drinkable, and it's fine, but it's also typical of California cabs, and perhaps that's a formula I've simply grown tired of. Same old grape, same old treatment, same old influence and flavors from the barrel. I guess I'm just looking for more adventure in my wines these days. Wouldn't go out of my way to have it again.
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9/26/2016 - easttide Likes this wine: 90 Points
Very nice.
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9/14/2016 - ToniTony wrote: 88 Points
Smooth, good structure, hint of berries--thoroughly enjoyed!
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9/1/2016 - joraesque wrote: 89 Points
Mistakenly opened this instead of the 2013. A bit of a hot mess initially, seemingly over-extracted. Turns more seamless with time. Began showing more complexity with air, hitting the sweet spot one hour in, when it exhibited notes of bitter cherries, anise, and eucalyptus in addition to the initial sour cherries -- then 20 minutes later it got weird, exhibiting a saccharin-like note on the finish. Virginie Boone had it right: "given time, its sense of elegance should rule over its power." 14.1 % ABV.
88-90+
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8/27/2016 - fmginc Likes this wine: 90 Points
Rich full fruit
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8/18/2016 - slulkin wrote: 89 Points
from 375; dark ruby in the glass, nose was reticent at first, but became more expressive as it sat in the glass. Purple and red fruits, a bit of leather and a touch of smoke. Palate was nicely balanced and included the fruit, a touch of toasty oak and a pleasant touch of tannin on the finish. Very enjoyable.
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6/25/2016 - fabwine wrote: 89 Points
Dark color and fruit forward. Full hints of jam and black fruits initially but the finish falls flat. Mild tannins that opened up further as the wine aired out. Nothing special here but a great everyday Cab.
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6/11/2016 - Jarndyce wrote: 88 Points
Enjoyed more than the 2010 that we drank first. Much more fruit on the palate and better integrated tannins.
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6/1/2016 - Winowhyno Likes this wine: 88 Points
mild....fruit forward....everyday type cab....nothing special...worth the $23.50 paid
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5/18/2016 - KYHospitality wrote: 86 Points
Average Cab... Not much complexity and a rather short finish... Would not recommend
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5/14/2016 - RGCM Gananda wrote: 87 Points
Showed somewhat better than the last time I tasted this wine (December 2015). The blackfruit notes through the middle (blackberry, currant and licorice) seemed a little bit smoother and had a little more depth to them. The finish, while still short, seemed better integrated with the body of the wine. However, overall, remains a wine that I wouldn't be particularly excited to drink, particularly at a $28 price. While it will probably hold at this level for a bit, I don't see any great potential here for positive future evolution.
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3/29/2016 - cbuhlman wrote:
ruby red,
well balanced and restrained napa valley cabernet. Good clean fruit and moderate tannins. Quintessential food wine. Clos du val remains the antithesis of powerful unbalanced heavy cabernets. I would put this on par with a non classified St. Estephe That said, a little too "polished" and just not very expressive compared to my recollection of other CDV vintages. Looking forward to trying the 2013 which I hear is great.
87-89
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3/9/2016 - Jarndyce Likes this wine: 91 Points
Enjoyed with a couple of steaks, improved after a couple of hours too.
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2/2/2016 - JS1056 wrote: 88 Points
Had in restaurant.
Decent cab. Drinking well now. Fruit forward with tame tannins. Well balanced.
This is a wine to drink right now. I wouldn't bother cellaring.
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1/23/2016 - smithkirklyn wrote: 95 Points
This was a fantastic Cabernet. One of the best I've had.
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1/11/2016 - retired_and_roving wrote:
Actually surprised this was much better than I expected - for this price seems to be a good value. Nice grippy tannins without being overly oaked or jammy.
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1/2/2016 - Ajtrader wrote: 87 Points
Possibly corked. Not good.
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1/2/2016 - Ajtrader wrote: 87 Points
Possibly corked.
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12/25/2015 - ledocq Likes this wine: 90 Points
Funny -- bought this thinking I was getting a 2013, and cracked it open with slight disappointment that it didn't match the flavor profile described. Then I noticed the vintage and went "oops." But no matter -- this is really good. Ready to drink but also holds on for a nice Day Two. No qualms recommending this for the price.
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12/21/2015 - chablis28 wrote: 89 Points
Quick double decant before drinking, probably helped. I don't buy or drink much CA Cab anymore but this was a nice find for $25 on sale. More classically styled and great with burgers tonight. Tannins could use a little more time to meld and a couple years might unleash a bit more depth. Oak was in check. Solid value. 14.1 Alc
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12/19/2015 - djs Likes this wine: 91 Points
Rather soft and restrained, fruit driven with soft tannins.
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12/11/2015 - Life At Your Leisure 🍷 wrote: 92 Points
Dark garnet color turning violet at the rim with a transparent edge. The nose is attractively perfumed with candied berries, chocolate, vanilla, and toasted oak. The palate gives off a full body with a refined fleshy texture. Flavors of blackberry, dark chocolate, espresso, scorched earth and roasted dried herbs are amplified while still in its youth. This is beautifully structured and elegantly balances the tension between ripe fruits of the vintage with its dry character, bright acidity, toasty oak and Napa earth nuances. Finishes long and juicy. This is just great - one that hasn't come since the great 2007 vintage. Drink now until 2022. 92+
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12/5/2015 - RGCM Gananda wrote: 86 Points
From such a strong vintage, this was a bit of a disappointment. Pleasant nose and shows soft, accessible blackfruit flavors through the middle including blackberry, currant and licorice. Relatively short on the finish. Has a bit more depth than the merlot and some mid-palate nuances, but this is still an early drinking wine that while mostly varietally correct, doesn't have much to recommend it, especially at the $28 price point.
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12/4/2015 - rjquillin wrote:
Couldn't remember if WB chatter was for the '12 or '13. it was for the '12; the '12 was meh.
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11/28/2015 - RichardZula Likes this wine:
Subtle, balanced fruit and cedar notes; really beautiful nose.
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10/24/2015 - danielbleier Likes this wine: 88 Points
Better than the '11, more depth to the fruit - with notes of plum and blackberry - strong licorice note - made for early drinking
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9/19/2015 - englishman's claret wrote: 81 Points
Absolutely disgusting. Tastes like chaptalized junk. I remember having very good Clos du Val from vintages in the early/mid 90s to which this bears no resemblance.
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9/11/2015 - Dionysusx Likes this wine: 86 Points
Tart finish upon opening but smoothed out after an hour or so. Expected more but still a nice wine
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9/5/2015 - RichardZula Likes this wine:
Delicate on the palate, nuances rather than intense in style, beautiful nose, while enjoyable, lacked the complexity I hoped for with the price, $30 in PA.
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8/1/2015 - Matt Scott Likes this wine: 92 Points
Black cherry, hazelnut, currant, rum cake and cardamon. Long and sophisticated,with fine tannins that help delineate. A little sage. Decanted for two hours. Drink now - 2025.
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6/10/2015 - redz wrote: 89 Points
hoping for more from this winery, might improve. Fairly flat taste.
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3/25/2015 - J.Ciaccio wrote: 86 Points
Drink now, blackberry and light alcohol to nose. You salivate big time after drinking. Use those with fat and you will be in heaven. It's a fat wine. Use with fatty foods and love it...otherwise choose a different wine for drinking solo or low fat.
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3/25/2015 - ashera212 Does not like this wine: 80 Points
2012 vintage yr. Ready to drink. More fleshy lighter. $25.95. Supple. Soft. Plenty of tannin and fairly acidic. Loves cheese red meat.
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3/3/2015 - bestdamncab Likes this wine: 88 Points
Tasted at Clos du Val, thank you Jim for the pour. Nose of lovely, rich, dark cherry fruit, ashy, oaky, more of the same on the palate, medium body, tasty but a touch simple, medium finish, probably better in a year or two.
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2/8/2015 - laxman wrote: 88 Points
disappointing. Having enjoyed this "entry level" Clos du Val in the past, I was eagerly awaiting the arrival of the 2012 in my local wine store. Maybe this will develop into something in the future, but at this point, this is neither expressive nor distinctive. I really struggled to pick up any classic Cab notes. In terms of 2012 Napa Cabs, I think the Hess Allomi 2012 is a better buy for less money.
One note is that Clos du Val label this as "Napa", but right on their website, they say it's blended with Carneros. If you're blending juice, just call it California or North Coast and stop with the marketing BS.
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