afewwines.com

Clos Du Val Summary

5330 Silverado Trail
Napa ,CA 94558
United States
(707) 261-5230
closduval.com

Clos Du Val Description

Clos Du Val is a renowned winery located in the heart of Napa Valley, California. Established in 1972, this winery has consistently produced exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region. Known for their commitment to quality and craftsmanship, Clos Du Val has gained a loyal following of wine enthusiasts from around the world.

The winery is situated on a 150-acre estate that boasts vineyards planted with classic Bordeaux varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. This allows Clos Du Val to create elegant, complex, and age-worthy wines that showcase the distinctive characteristics of the Napa Valley. With an emphasis on sustainable farming practices, the vineyards are meticulously tended to ensure the grapes reach their full potential.

Clos Du Val's winemaking philosophy revolves around minimal intervention, allowing the grapes to speak for themselves. The skilled winemaking team carefully handcrafts each wine, preserving the fruit flavors and expressing the nuances of the vineyard. From their iconic estate Cabernet Sauvignon to their beautifully balanced Chardonnay, each bottle showcases the winery's dedication to producing wines of exceptional quality.

Aside from their outstanding wines, Clos Du Val offers a memorable guest experience. Visitors can enjoy guided tours and tastings, offering an opportunity to explore the vineyards, learn about the winemaking process, and discover the rich history of the estate. The winery also features a welcoming tasting room and a scenic outdoor patio, providing a picturesque setting to savor their exceptional wines.

In essence, Clos Du Val is a place where tradition and innovation converge. With a commitment to producing wines that are both elegant and approachable, this winery continues to make its mark on the Napa Valley wine scene, offering a taste of California's finest craftsmanship and terroir in every bottle.

What Makes Clos Du Val Different From Other Nearby Wineries?

Clos Du Val is a unique and distinct winery in the beautiful region of California. There are several factors that set Clos Du Val apart from other wineries in the area, making it a sought-after destination for both locals and wine enthusiasts from around the world.

1. Heritage and History: Clos Du Val was established in 1972, making it one of the pioneers of the Napa Valley wine industry. With nearly five decades of winemaking expertise, Clos Du Val has cultivated a rich heritage and a deep understanding of the region's terroir.

2. Outstanding Terroir: The winery's location in the renowned Stags Leap District provides them with a unique microclimate and diverse soils. The combination of warm days, cool nights, and volcanic soils creates optimal conditions for growing high-quality grapes with intense flavors and balanced acidity.

3. Commitment to Traditional Winemaking: Clos Du Val takes pride in employing traditional winemaking techniques that showcase the natural characteristics of the grapes. From hand-harvesting the fruit to using small fermenters, their attention to detail and dedication to preserving the fruit's essence result in wines that are a true reflection of the vineyard's terroir.

4. Estate Vineyards: Unlike many other wineries, Clos Du Val owns and manages a significant portion of their vineyards. This level of control allows them to have a hands-on approach throughout the entire winemaking process, ensuring consistent quality year after year.

5. Bordeaux-Style Wines: While California is known for its robust Cabernet Sauvignon wines, Clos Du Val has garnered a stellar reputation for producing exceptional Bordeaux-style wines. They specialize in Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, carefully crafting these red varietals to showcase elegance, finesse, and age-worthiness.

6. Emphasis on Aging: Clos Du Val firmly believes in the benefits of aging their wines before release, allowing the flavors and tannins to integrate and develop further complexity. This commitment to aging sets them apart from wineries that release their wines at an earlier stage.

7. Attention to Sustainability: Clos Du Val is dedicated to sustainable farming practices, preserving the land, and minimizing their environmental impact. From vineyard management techniques to energy conservation measures, they prioritize the long-term health of the ecosystem and strive to maintain a balanced and sustainable approach to winemaking.

8. Hospitality and Visitor Experience: Clos Du Val offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere for visitors to explore their estate and taste their wines. They provide various tasting experiences, including guided tours, educational seminars, and private tastings, allowing wine enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the world of Clos Du Val.

In conclusion, Clos Du Val stands out among other wineries in the region due to its rich heritage, commitment to traditional winemaking, exceptional terroir, Bordeaux-style wines, emphasis on aging, sustainability practices, and outstanding visitor experiences. A visit to Clos Du Val offers an opportunity to experience the culmination of passion, expertise, and a genuine love for crafting exceptional wines.

What Some Possible Concerns About Clos Du Val ?

While it is important to provide a balanced view of a winery, it's also crucial to ensure fairness and accuracy. Therefore, it would be inappropriate for me to make assumptions or provide false information about people's opinions regarding Clos Du Val Winery. However, I can give you some general aspects that some people might not prefer or criticize about wineries in general:

1. Pricing: Some individuals may feel that the wines at Clos Du Val or at wineries in general are overpriced compared to their perceived value or similar wines from other regions.

2. Tasting Experience: Some visitors might feel that the tasting experience at Clos Du Val was rushed or impersonal, lacking the attention and knowledge of the staff.

3. Ambience: While this is subjective, others may find the atmosphere at Clos Du Val or the winery facilities to be less charming or less visually appealing compared to other wineries in the region.

4. Availability: Occasionally, certain wines or vintages might be out of stock, which can be disappointing for visitors looking for specific wines or seeking a broader selection.

Remember that these points are general and may not be reflective of everyone's opinion. It is always recommended to visit wineries yourself and form your own impressions.

Clos Du Val History

Clos Du Val is a renowned Californian winery in Napa Valley, known for its exceptional quality wines and rich history. Established in 1972, Clos Du Val has become a prominent member of the Napa Valley winemaking community, consistently producing wines that showcase the region's distinct terroir and unique qualities.

The story of Clos Du Val begins with two visionaries, John Goelet and Bernard Portet. John Goelet, a passionate wine lover and scion of a prominent Bordeaux wine family, was looking for an opportunity to invest in the burgeoning Californian wine industry. After a careful search, he discovered the ideal location in Napa Valley, where he could create world-class wines. Seeking out a talented winemaker, Goelet crossed paths with Bernard Portet, a young Frenchman, and member of a prominent Bordeaux winemaking family.

Together, Goelet and Portet embarked on a journey to establish Clos Du Val, a winery that would combine their expertise and passion for winemaking with the unique characteristics of Napa Valley. They sought to craft wines with elegance, finesse, and age-worthiness, paying homage to traditional winemaking techniques while embracing the potential of the New World.

Clos Du Val's inaugural vintage in 1972 garnered tremendous acclaim and thrust the winery into the global spotlight. Their 1972 Cabernet Sauvignon was entered into the famous "Judgment of Paris" blind tasting in 1976, where California wines were pitted against esteemed Bordeaux wines. To the shock of many, Clos Du Val's wine placed among the top-ranked reds, solidifying their reputation as a producer of exceptional wines.

Over the years, Clos Du Val continued to thrive and expand its portfolio, focusing on two key varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. They carefully nurtured vineyards in prime locations throughout Napa Valley, including the renowned Stags Leap District, Carneros, and Yountville, where each vineyard site contributes unique characteristics to the final wines.

The winemaking philosophy at Clos Du Val centers around meticulous vineyard management, sustainable practices, and traditional winemaking techniques. The winery takes pride in its commitment to allowing the fruit to express itself fully, emphasizing balance, complexity, and longevity in each bottle. From carefully hand-harvesting the grapes to aging wines in French oak barrels, Clos Du Val pays attention to every detail in the winemaking process.

Throughout its history, Clos Du Val has received numerous accolades and critical acclaim for its wines. From highly-rated Cabernet Sauvignons to elegant Chardonnays, their portfolio showcases the diversity and excellence of Napa Valley.

Today, Clos Du Val remains a family-owned winery, with John Goelet's children and grandchildren continuing his legacy. They are committed to maintaining the winery's heritage while adapting to modern innovations in winemaking, ensuring Clos Du Val remains a benchmark of quality in Napa Valley and beyond.

Visitors to Clos Du Val can experience the winery's history and commitment to excellence firsthand. The inviting tasting room offers guests the opportunity to sample a range of wines, learn about the winemaking process, and immerse themselves in the beauty of the vineyards that have shaped Clos Du Val's identity.

In conclusion, Clos Du Val has left an indelible mark on the Californian winemaking landscape. With its rich history, dedication to quality, and commitment to showcasing the best of Napa Valley, Clos Du Val continues to be a true icon in the world of fine wines.