Clos Du Val

Clos Du Val, founded in 1972 by French winemaker John Goelet and winemaker Bernard Portet, is a storied Napa Valley estate rooted in Bordeaux-inspired traditions. Located in the famed Stags Leap District, Clos Du Val has remained independently owned and focused on crafting wines of finesse, structure, and age-worthiness. While many Napa wineries chase opulence, Clos Du Val stands apart with its restrained elegance and commitment to terroir-driven expression.

Craftsmanship and Distillation

Every bottle of Clos Du Val is a testament to patience and precision. The winery owns and farms over 350 acres of estate vineyards across Napa’s most prestigious AVAs, including Stags Leap District, Yountville, and Carneros. Winemaking here isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about refining tradition. Small-lot fermentation, meticulous blending, and extended aging in French oak result in wines that are balanced, complex, and built to evolve. Sustainability also plays a major role, with Clos Du Val’s vineyards certified Napa Green and Fish Friendly Farming, reflecting a deep respect for the land and its future.

Aroma & Bouquet

Clos Du Val wines are celebrated for their layered, expressive bouquets. Their signature Cabernet Sauvignon typically opens with ripe blackberry, cassis, and dark cherry, accented by hints of graphite, cedar, and violet. Their Carneros Chardonnay, on the other hand, evokes aromas of crisp apple, lemon curd, and toasted brioche with a subtle mineral edge. Each vintage reflects not just the fruit, but the nuances of climate, soil, and barrel aging—a harmony of scent that evolves beautifully in the glass.

Smooth & Finish

Clos Du Val wines are marked by their silky textures and refined finishes. The Cabernet Sauvignon, for instance, features firm yet polished tannins that unfold gracefully on the palate, revealing notes of dark chocolate, dried herbs, and warm spices. The Chardonnay is equally poised, delivering a creamy mid-palate with balanced acidity and a clean, lingering finish. These wines are made not just to be enjoyed now but to develop greater complexity over time.

Awards and Recognition

Clos Du Val first rose to global fame during the historic 1976 “Judgment of Paris” tasting, where its 1972 Cabernet Sauvignon was selected to represent California. It later reappeared in the 1986 rematch and earned a top spot among critics. Since then, Clos Du Val has consistently garnered accolades from Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, and Decanter, praised for its age-worthy style and refined craftsmanship.

Who Is It For?

Clos Du Val is perfect for the sophisticated wine lover who values tradition over trend. Whether you're a collector seeking cellar-worthy reds or a dinner host in search of wines that pair effortlessly with fine cuisine, Clos Du Val offers poise, pedigree, and personality in every pour.