At a glance

Producer

Clos du Val

Region

Napa Valley, California, USA

Grape variety

Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$36-$45

Tasting profile

Rich blackberry, cassis, black cherry, with mocha, cedar, and hints of graphite. Youthful, with firm tannins, bright acidity, and oak spice.

Evolution: Fruits will soften and integrate into tertiary notes of tobacco, leather, dried herbs, and earth. Tannins will round out, mouthfeel will become silkier.

At peak: Complex flavors of black fruit, cigar box, subtle earth, savory herbs, and supple tannins. Structure will be harmonized and finish long and silky.

Structure

Acidity

Medium (+) – enough to balance richness and ensure aging potential

Tannins

Medium-high and firm, with fine structure expected from classic Napa Cabernet

Alcohol

14.3%-14.7% ABV (typical for Napa Valley Cabernets, precise vintage-specific data pending)

Aging potential

Moderate to high; 12-16 years from vintage in strong vintages

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2028 to 2036

Optimal window

2026 to 2040

Current status

Can be enjoyed young but will benefit from aging

Current condition

Youthful, vibrant fruit and assertive tannins; primary fruit character dominates, secondary complexity will develop with age

Cabernet Sauvignon from top Napa sites ages gracefully due to robust tannins and balanced acidity. Clos du Val is a traditional, restrained producer whose Cabernets are known for elegance and longevity, especially from good vintages. 2022, a warm, balanced year, supports 12-16 years aging potential for this wine style, with best expression between 8-14 years after vintage.

Food pairing

Prime rib, grilled lamb chops with rosemary, dry-aged steak, black pepper beef, hard aged cheeses (e.g. aged Gouda), mushroom risotto.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — Youthful structure and pronounced tannins benefit from aeration, which encourages aromatic and textural development.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Clos du Val employs cover crops, composting, integrated pest management, reduced pesticide use, and energy-efficient lighting. Water use is optimized with drip irrigation and monitored soil moisture. Packaging focuses on lightweight bottles and recyclable materials. The winery engages in ongoing sustainability audits and employee training.

Clos du Val is Napa Green certified for both winery and vineyard, a robust third-party program covering land stewardship, community responsibility, carbon footprint measurement, and environmental impact. Their practices place them among leading California sustainable producers, though their carbon footprint increases with global export, as with most Napa Valley wineries. Overall, Clos du Val’s practices show a meaningful and consistent commitment to environmental, resource, and energy sustainability, ranking well within the region.