Winery Notes: Clos du Val

Despite the history and heritage, I expected totally mass market plnok (not that there's anything wrong with plonk ) but I was totally surprised. Very busy season, but reasonably personnable hostess wjho poured some extra stuff when I started asking questions. Cheap tasting room costs, too. ($5)

Anyway-THIS is the kind of wine I seem to gravitate to. Memorable were the Napa Valley Merlot (2003). Given my limited experience, I still think this tastes like a right bank Saint Emillion!!!! Delicious earthy herbal leathery notes. For $24!

Both cabs were excellent, one a Napa blend, the other a "Oak Vineyard" Stag's Leap estate wine. Again, that awesome earthy, leathery character I like, with still some balance and fruit.

Any other positive opinions about Clos Du Val? I may actually join my first wine club!

Anyway-THIS is the kind of wine I seem to gravitate to. Memorable were the Napa Valley Merlot (2003). Given my limited experience, I still think this tastes like a right bank Saint Emillion!!!! Delicious earthy herbal leathery notes. For $24!

It would have really been something if it had tasted like a left bank St.-Em.

Any other positive opinions about Clos Du Val? I may actually join my first wine club!

I believe it was here (unless it was elsewhere) a while back where I characterized Clos du Val's wines as underrated and often deceptive in their youth. I still recall fondly their '78 Reserve Cab, a great wine.

Mark Lipton

I probably should revisit this winery's offering. I had a terrible one ten years ago, and an average one five years ago.

Never went back, frankly. But a Right Bank wine at 5% of normal retail? What's not to like?

I'll revert.

Hey, I'm just a relative newbie, so you can ignore my tastes.

I've only had cheap no-name Saint Emilions, so I'm probably easily impressed.

It's just after tasting too many Napa Merlots that are soft, flat, and fruity, I was excited to find something different.