By Clos du Val
2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

History
Clos du Val, French for "small vineyard estate of a small valley," was founded in 1972 in the renowned Stags Leap District. The winery was first recognized for its Cabernet Sauvignon at the famed Judgment of Paris in 1976, establishing it as one of Napa Valley's most iconic winery estates. Still family-owned today, Clos du Val farms two estate vineyards in the Stags Leap District and Yountville appellations and continues to craft wines of balance and complexity, showcasing the fruit from the outstanding terroir on which our estate lies.

Harvest
The 2021 growing season began with below-average rainfall and mild summer temperatures. A significant heat wave hit Napa Valley in late August, speeding up the ripening process and causing harvest to start a few weeks early. The resulting low fruit yields contributed to concentrated flavors in each cluster of grapes, enabling us to create elegant wines with exceptional balance and complexity.

Tasting Notes
This fresh and vibrant Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is brimming with aromas of blackberry, mulberry, cassis, and violet. On the palate, bright flavors of cranberry, red plum, cherry, and lavender are intertwined with supple tannins, balanced acidity, and a long, smooth finish.

Wine Details
Appellation: Napa Valley
Compositoin: 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 5% Malbec, 1% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot
Aging: In 30% new French oak
Acid: 5.7 g/L
pH: 3.8
Alcohol: 14.50%
Harvest: September 8 - October 20, 2021
Bottled: November 24, 2022
[Information provided by Clos du Val]

Clos du Val 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
From: Napa Valley, Napa, California, US
Rating: 94
Winery: Clos du Val
Region: Napa
Alcohol: 14.5%
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Wine Type: Red
Issue Date: 12/31/2023
Seductive oak spices and a plush mouthfeel come with abundant red and black fruits in this full-bodied, appropriately tannic wine that needs time to reach its full potential. Pine and rosemary accents merge nicely with the blackberries and blueberries. Best from 2028-2038.
Reviewed By: Jim Gordon

CLOS DU VAL CABERNET SAUVIGNON NAPA VALLEY 2021
Thursday, January 4, 2024
Country: United States
Region: California
Vintage: 2021
Score: 93
Spiced and creamy character with ripe dark berries and a chocolate and bark undertone. Lots of cassis and floral notes. Medium- to full-bodied, polished and sleek with chalky texture and hints of graphite at the end. Lingering finish. Better from 2026.

Clos Du Val Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2021
Score: 92
Wine Type and Color: Red Still
Reviewed By: James Molesworth
Primary Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
Issue: Published on February 5, 2024 - Online Only Review
Region: California / Napa / Napa Valley
There's a nice streak of warm earth and singed cedar running in lockstep with the core of cassis and gently mulled plum fruit, with savory and mineral accents checking in. Restrained in feel overall, with judicious toast that lets all the elements play out on the finish. Best from 2025 through 2036.

2021 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
Producer: Clos du Val
Place of Origin: United States, Napa Valley, Napa
Color: Red
Grape/Blend: 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 5% Malbec, 1% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot
Rating: 92
Drinking Window: 2024 - 2036
From: The 2021 Napa Valley Cabernets, Part One (Dec 2023)
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) is fabulous. Rich and sumptuous to the core, the 2021 will be a very easy wine to drink now and over the next decade or so. Succulent dark cherry/plum, spice, rose petal and mocha are all dialed up. Silky tannins wrap it all together in style.
By: Antonio Galloni on December 2023

Clos du Val, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California, United States, 2021
Producer: Clos du Val
Wine name: Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2021
Sub-region: Napa Valley
Region: California
Country: United States
Award: Silver
Score: 90
Colour: Red
Style: Still - Dry (below 5 g/L residual sugar)
Closure: Plastic / Synthetic
Alcohol level: 14.50%
Tasting notes: Inviting, with aromatics of menthol and oak, while the palate is laced with white peppercorn, cherry and dark fruit.

2021 Clos du Val Cabernet Sauvignon
Producer: Clos Du Val
Location: USA, California, North Coast, Napa Valley
Color: Red
Rating: 89
Tasting Date: 12/26/2023
Maturity: 2023 - 2031
Reviewed By: Jeb Dunnuck
Source: Napa Valley's 2021s and 2022s - Part 1
Moving to the reds, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon (mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, with 7% Merlot, 5% Malbec, and splashes of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot) has lots of varietal black fruits, cedar pencil, and tobacco notes as well as medium-bodied richness, building, slightly firmer tannins, and a good finish. Well-made, it has the vintage's pure, focused, structured style and is perfect for enjoying over the coming 7-8 years, if not a decade.

Clos du Val Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 Napa Valley
Producer: Clos du Val
Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Napa Valley
Region: California
Country: USA
Colour: Red
Alcohol: 14.5%
Score: 17/20
When to drink: 2024 - 2034
Published on: 2 May 2024
Date tasted: 1 Apr 2024
Reviewer: Jancis Robinson
[...] 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 5% Malbec, 1% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot.
Well-balanced and interesting nose. Not too sweet. Fresh - not that intense but not simple either. Rather appetising! Though it does finish a little suddenly.