Clos du Val Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
I opened this Napa Cab with left over beef tenderloin from our gala dinner the other evening for a wonderful wine and beefsteak pairing. I bought a case of this wine upon release and after tasting this bottle, wow, am I glad I had the foresight to stock up on this label release.
My Cellartracker records indicate I bought some, tasted it, then went back and bought more, and then went back and bought a couple magnums of this release.
Son Alec was over and had never had this historic long time Napa producer so it was a chance to educate and introduce him to this benchmark Napa Cab.
My records show I tasted one bottle of this label six years ago, back upon release in 2015. Then, I wrote, "The 2013 Napa Cab's are coming and all indications are that it is a
blockbuster vintage, one of those where all boats rise with the tide,
such that all earnest producers should have notable collectible
releases, one for the consumer to rejoice and stock up."
Interesting that Antony Galloni used the same metaphor in writing about this vintage of Napa Valley 2013 vintage, "The rising tide has indeed lifted all boats, as can be seen by the number of estates that over-achieved and made brilliant wines... When all is said and done, there is little doubt 2013 will go down as one of the all-time great vintages for Napa Valley."
The Clos du Val received spectacular ratings and appears to be one of those
rare wines that come along every so often where everything comes
together for a high QPR (Quality Price Ratio) highest rated wine at a moderate price point.
Clos du Val Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
The wine
is a blend of 
This label was rated 95 points by Vinous and Antonio Galloni of Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, and 92 points by James Suckling.
Chicago wine merchant Vin Chicago described it this way. "Even more impressive than the
flavors is the structure. The tannins are powerful and youthful, yet as nuanced
and integrated as you'll find in some of the world's best Cabernet or Bordeaux."
At eight years, this is just now starting to hit its stride and has a long life ahead and may not yet have reached the apex of its drinking/aging profile. It might settle down and integrate a bit further for more polish and nuance, but it is delicious now as it is.
Bright garnet/purple colored, medium full bodied, vibrant, forward expressive blackberry, dark cherry and black currant fruits with notes of graphite, smoke, floral, herbs, black tea and tobacco turning to firm but smooth approachable tannins and a pleasing bright tangy lingering finish.
RM 92 points.
https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=2122040
