Clos du Val Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Estate 2015

91 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): “[$52 list] The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is a gorgeous entry-level wine from Clos du Val. Dark, inky and voluptuous in the glass, but with plenty of structural underpinning, the 2015 is super-expressive today. The tannins are going to need at least a year or two to soften, but all the elements are nicely balanced throughout. A rush of dark cherry, plum, lavender, spice and menthol build in this attractive, mid-weight Cabernet Sauvignon from Clos du Val. Fruit sources are the estate vineyard in Stags Leap and State Lane in Yountville. Drink: 2019-2023. (Mar 2018)”

91 points Jeb Dunnuck: “[$52 list] The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is rock solid and offers impressive currant and blackberry fruit characteristics, notes of graphite and lead pencil, medium to full-bodied richness, and terrific purity. A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc, aged in 66% new French oak, it’s high-quality juice to drink over the coming decade or more. Drink: 2018-2028. (12/29/17)”

90 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate): “[$52 list] Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon—a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc—features notions of cassis, black cherries and plums with hints of damp earth and cigar box. Medium to full-bodied, it has appealing vibrancy and freshness in the mouth, with a chewy frame and good length. Drink: 2017-2025. (Oct 2017)”

Producer notes: “[$52 list] 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc. This Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is brimming with classic varietal characteristics of cassis, bramble fruit and blueberry. The hints of butterscotch on the long, smooth finish are a giveaway of the new, carefully selected French oak barrel influence. Barrel aged 18 months in French oak (66% new). Alcohol 14.7%.”