Clos Du Val Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 375ML

Description

Clos Du Val Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 375ML is a Stags Leap District Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon bottled at 14.5% ABV in a 375ml half-bottle format. Awarded 94 points by Wine Enthusiast and 93 points by James Suckling, this Bordeaux-style blend from one of Napa’s founding estates delivers a concentrated expression of its prestigious appellation in a convenient smaller format.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.5% | Origin: Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California | Vintage: 2021 | Winery: Clos du Val

Production & Heritage

Founded in 1972 by French winemaker Bernard Portet, Clos du Val gained international recognition at the legendary 1976 Judgment of Paris and has remained a cornerstone of Napa Valley winemaking since. The estate encompasses 120 acres in the Stags Leap District, planted with nine different clones of Cabernet Sauvignona diversity that contributes layered complexity to each vintage. The 2021 vintage is a Bordeaux-inspired blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 5% Malbec, 1% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot, aged in 40% new French oak. The Stags Leap District’s distinctive terroir, cooled by breezes off the San Pablo Bay, produces wines known for velvety tannins, pure varietal character, and natural acidity retention.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Freshly crushed blackcurrants and dark cherry rise from the glass first, followed by layers of cedar, vanilla, and a subtle floral hint of violet. Deeper in the bouquet, accents of wild thyme, charcoal, and tree bark add earthy complexity.

Taste: The entry is plush and full-bodied, with abundant blackberry, blueberry, and red plum fruit filling the mid-palate. Seductive oak spices emerge alongside cranberry brightness, while supple tannins provide structure without grip. Pine and rosemary herbal notes weave through the fruit, adding a savory dimension that keeps the wine engaging.

Finish: Long, smooth, and balanced, with lingering dark fruit and cedar that slowly fade into fine-grained tannins. The natural acidity from the Stags Leap terroir keeps the finish fresh and lifted.

How to Drink Clos Du Val Cabernet

Serve at 6065F after decanting for 3045 minutes to open the aromatic complexity; the half-bottle format means less decanting time is needed than a full 750ml. This wine is built for the tableits balanced acidity and structured tannins make it an exceptional partner for grilled red meats, braised short ribs, or aged hard cheeses. The 375ml size is particularly well-suited for a dinner for two or when you want a single generous pour of premium Napa Cabernet without committing to a full bottle.

Best For

• A weeknight indulgence when a full bottle is more than you need
• Gifting a wine enthusiast with a highly rated Napa Cabernet in a thoughtful format
• Building a vertical collection of Clos du Val vintages without the cellar space
• Pairing with a steak dinner for two at home

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Clos Du Val Cabernet 2021 taste like? This is a full-bodied Napa Cabernet dominated by blackcurrant, dark cherry, and blueberry fruit, layered with cedar, vanilla, and herbal notes of rosemary and thyme. The tannins are supple and velvety, balanced by bright natural acidity and a long, smooth finish.

How does Clos Du Val compare to other Stags Leap District Cabernets? Clos du Val has historically leaned toward a more restrained, Bordeaux-influenced style that emphasizes balance and aging potential over sheer power, reflecting founder Bernard Portet’s French winemaking roots. The five-grape blend and moderate use of 40% new French oak distinguish it from single-varietal, heavily oaked expressions common in the district.

Is Clos Du Val Cabernet 2021 good for cellaring? With 94 points from Wine Enthusiast, 93 from James Suckling, and 92 from Wine Spectator, the 2021 vintage shows the structured tannins and balanced acidity that suggest a drinking window extending several years from release. The half-bottle format will generally evolve slightly faster than a 750ml due to a higher oxygen-to-wine ratio.

Where is Clos Du Val Cabernet made? Clos du Val is located in the Stags Leap District, a sub-appellation of Napa Valley in California known for its rocky volcanic soils and cooling afternoon breezes from the San Pablo Bay. The fruit is estate-grown from the winery’s 120-acre property planted with nine distinct Cabernet Sauvignon clones.

What foods pair well with Clos Du Val Cabernet 2021? Grilled ribeye steak complements the wine’s dark fruit and oak spice; braised lamb shanks echo its herbal rosemary and thyme notes; aged Gruyre or Comt cheese highlights the cedar and vanilla undertones; mushroom risotto bridges the earthy, savory elements; and dark chocolate desserts mirror the wine’s rich berry depth.

What sizes does Clos Du Val Cabernet 2021 come in? This listing is for the 375ml half-bottle; Clos du Val also produces the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon in a standard 750ml format.

Is Clos Du Val Cabernet 2021 worth the price? Positioned as a premium Stags Leap District estate wine, the 2021 vintage punches well above its weight with a 94-point Wine Enthusiast rating and scores of 9293 from Wine Spectator and James Suckling. For a district where top producers command significantly higher prices, Clos du Val represents strong value within the Stags Leap category.

Why Clos Du Val Cabernet 2021?

The 94-point Wine Enthusiast score places this vintage among the winery’s strongest recent releases, and the consensus across four major criticsWine Spectator (92), James Suckling (93), Lisa Perrotti-Brown (91), and Wine Advocate (90)confirms its quality is no outlier. What sets this wine apart is its origin: estate fruit from 120 acres of Stags Leap District vineyards planted with nine Cabernet clones, blended in a five-varietal Bordeaux architecture that few Napa producers still pursue. The half-bottle format preserves every element of the full-sized wine while offering practical flexibility for collectors, gift-givers, and anyone who values drinking premium Napa Cabernet at its peak without rushing through a larger bottle.