95 Points, The Tasting Panel
Aged in stainless steel and neutral French oak, this wine made with 17% Sémillon exudes focused aromas of lime zest, basil, and green tea. Floral tones venture across the palate on a tightrope of acidity. Honeysuckle, candied ginger, and lemongrass are streamlined on the salty, stony finish.
93 Points, Vinous
The 2023 Sauvignon Blanc Estate is superb. Ample and textured, with fine balance, the 2023 dazzles from start to finish. Lemon peel, mint, white pepper and a kiss of French oak build nicely. Tropical overtones from the inclusion of Sauvignon Musqué in this blend add an attractive exotic flair.
93 Points, James Suckling
his shows beautiful texture, with sliced grapefruit, pears, flowers and hints of fennel. Medium-bodied, dry and crisp, with crushed stone notes. Shows the beauty of well-made sauvignon blanc. A blend of 83% sauvignon blanc and 17% semillion.
Clos du Val is a true pioneer in Napa Valley, a winery whose story is woven into the very fabric of California’s rise to global wine prominence. Founded in 1972 by the Goelet family, they were among a select group of visionary producers who dared to challenge the Old World’s dominance.
It wasn’t long before their ambitious spirit was validated on the international stage: Clos du Val’s inaugural 1972 Cabernet Sauvignon was famously one of the California wines chosen for the legendary 1976 Judgment of Paris tasting. While it didn’t win that initial showdown, its first-place finish in a rematch ten years later — cemented Clos du Val’s reputation for crafting balanced, age-worthy wines that truly capture the elegance of Napa Valley’s Stags Leap District, where their esteemed Hirondelle Vineyard lies.
Today, under third-generation family ownership, Clos du Val has experienced a renaissance, recommitting to its estate-grown roots and fine-tuning its focus on exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon. They believe in letting the terroir speak, emphasizing sustainable practices and meticulous care from vine to bottle.
The wines are known for their fresh fruit character, elegant balance, and a structure that promises longevity, offering a sophisticated counterpoint to some of Napa’s more overtly powerful styles. Clos du Val isn’t just about history; it’s about a continuous evolution, striving for the utmost quality and ensuring their wines remain timeless expressions of one of the world’s most celebrated wine regions.