Clos Du Val 2010 Stags Leap District Napa Cabernet Sauvignon
Clos Du Val, French for “small vineyard estate of a small valley,” was founded in 1972 in the now legendary Stags Leap District of Napa Valley by Franco-American entrepreneur John Goelet. After a worldwide search to purchase vineyard properties from which to craft world-class wines, 150 acres in Stags Leap and 180 acres in Carneros were chosen, solidifying Clos Du Val’s iconic stature and formidable place in Napa Valley history. Today, Winemaker Kristy Melton, handcrafts wines to reflect the classic style, finesse and grace Clos Du Val is known for. The Three Graces, Splendor, Mirth and Joy have adorned Clos Du Val’s labels since 1972. These mythical daughters of Zeus were said to preside over Olympian banquets and celebrations, spreading good cheer and raising a glass to the prosperity, happiness, health and good fortune of all.
The 2010 Stags Leap District Napa Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, and 6% Cabernet Franc. The wine is aged for 24 months in French oak (50% new). Pouring a glass, which I highly recommend decanting to soften, I notice a deep reddish purple color with complex aromas of black fruit, cedar and spice. The palate showed a wine with much finesse, full of rich fruit, blackberries and plums, with earthy spices. This full bodied wine was clean and well balanced, with mild tannins and toasty oak. The finish was long and had interesting notes of cacao, cedar and pepper.
Cheers!
