Clos Du Val 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, Ca. is a very young cab. which is a meritage of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 3% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot.
The vintner, Bernard Portet, was born and raised in Bordeaux, France and as a result, he developed a deep love for the legendary viticultural region and it's prized creations. This heritage blatantly comes out in his style of blending and balancing the grapes.
Despite it’s immaturity the wine is certainly no slouch. Tonight I paired it with grilled Beef Tenderloin that was dry rubbed with garlic, salt, pepper, onion and olive oil and then grilled medium rare. As a side dish, I had grilled zuchini. The pairing was a good match.
I wish i could have had the time to decant this wine; this would have probably allowed the tannins and other elements to reach a better balance. I expect this wine to be complete in it’s true form given the proper time to age as this wine’s tasty complexity and layering has great potential.
Price- $25-$30/ 750mL or $15-$18/ 375mL. The 2005 is actually cheaper than the 2006 which generally retails around $30-$40 and was rated higher and better suited for earlier consumption.
Sight- Rosy red with no visible sedimentation.
Nose- Currants, blackberries and carnations.
Taste- Layers of dark currants, blackberry, tart, young cherries and a spicy yet smooth finish emerge with a medium body and mouth-feel despite it’s tannic quality.
Grade- 5* I enjoyed the experience and the food/wine pairing was a good marriage. I see this getting better and better with time. As I suggested earlier, it’s young and like an awkward kid with growing pains, this wine has some growing up to do before it reaches it’s prime.
*will be a better rating when aged properly or possibly if decanted/aerated.
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