W&S: 91

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Clos du Val Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District Estate Bottled 2008

Winemaker's Notes:

The Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon, Clos Du Vals flagship estate wine, has a deep purple hue that darkens to a black core. Black fruit with dried herbs, spice and a hint of game pervade the nose. On the palate, the wine explodes with rich, mouth-coating flavors of intense fruit. This full bodied Cabernet Sauvignon has a solid middle, velvety tannins and a long finish. It is built to age and can be cellared for at least 10-15 years.

Region: USA » California » Napa » Stags Leap District

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Winery: Clos Du Val

Color: Red

Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon

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Clos Du Val:

From France to California In 1970, American businessman John Goelet sent off French-born winemaker Bernard Portet on a mission to find new territory to grow world-class wines. In 1972, they co-founded Clos Du Val in the Stags Leap district of Napa Valley. The name means "small estate of a small valley". The estate is situated amongst 150-acres of vines beneath the famous palisades of Stags Leap, known for world-class Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. In 1973, Clos Du Val became one of the first wineries to stake a claim on the finest hillside terroir in Carneros, now recognized for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and today farms 180 acres for its estate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Clos Du Val's old-world approach to winemaking combined with extraordinary Napa Valley fruit established Clos Du Val's tradition of classic estate wines with balance, elegance, complexity and longevity. Bernard's inagural 1972 vintage was one of only six California Cabernets selected for the legendary Judgement of Paris tasting. The same vintage took first place in a rematch ten years later, proving that Clos Du Val wines stand the test of time. Today, winemaker John Clews runs day-to-day winery and vineyards operations, working closely with vineyard manager Al Wagner to farm the land gently and sustainably. Once the grapes are harvested, John and Bernard make blending decisions together to produce a renowned portfolio of wines which are truly expressive of the terroir from which they came. Read less

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External Reviews for Clos du Val Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District Estate Bottled

Source: We Speak Wine

01/16/2013

Made in the classic Clos du Val style, this Cabernet is less ripe, drier and more acidic than many of its Napa Valley neighbors. It's also very tannic. Currently, it's an aloof, austere wine, but it has a deep core of blackberries. This wants at least eight years in a proper cellar, and should age well for another decade beyond that. - S.H. Our Flagship Cabernet Sauvignon hails from our renowned Stags Leap District vineyard, best known for elegant and opulent wines. Deep garnet in color this wine is aged in French oak for 24 months. The wine is full bodied and accented with complex flavors of black fruit, chocolate, and dried herbs. The 2008 Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits extraordinary complexity and balance, bolstered by fully integrated, silky tannins. Enjoy now or cellar for at least 10+ years. - WineryAPPELLATION: Stags Leap DistrictCOMPOSITION:94% Cabernet Sauvignon6% MerlotFERMENTATION: 30-40 days with skin contactAGING: 24 months in French oak ...

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