Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (1992)

About this wine

The 1992 Clos du Val Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley presents a deep garnet color, offering concentrated aromas of blackberry jam with hints of black pepper and spices. On the palate, it delivers a soft, ripe entry, leading to full mid-palate flavors that showcase great finesse. The wine is impeccably balanced, featuring a sweet oak mouthfeel and a velvety rich finish. Notably, Clos du Val's 1972 Cabernet Sauvignon gained international recognition at the 1976 Judgment of Paris, highlighting the winery's longstanding reputation for producing exceptional wines. This 1992 vintage continues that tradition, reflecting the elegance and grace that Clos du Val is known for.

About the grape

Cabernet Sauvignon, a grape variety that emerged in France in the 17th century, is renowned for its thick skins and hardy vines, making it well-suited to various climates. In Napa Valley, this grape found an ideal environment, leading to its prominence in the region. Clos du Val, established in 1972, gained international recognition when its inaugural 1972 Cabernet Sauvignon participated in the 1976 Judgment of Paris, a blind tasting where California wines famously outperformed French counterparts. This event significantly boosted Napa Valley's reputation for producing world-class Cabernet Sauvignon. The 1992 Clos du Val Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon continues this legacy, showcasing the winery's dedication to crafting exceptional wines from this esteemed varietal.

Quick facts

• 🏆 Clos du Val's 1972 Cabernet Sauvignon was one of only six California Cabernets selected for the famous 1976 Judgment of Paris tasting, where California wines triumphed over French wines.
• 🍇 The winery's name, 'Clos du Val,' is French for 'small vineyard estate of a small valley,' reflecting its French heritage and Napa Valley location.
• 🍷 The 1992 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon from Clos du Val is known for its deep garnet color and complex flavors of blackberry and toffee, followed by a long, rich finish.
• 🌄 Clos du Val's vineyards are located in Napa Valley's Stags Leap District, an area renowned for producing high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon wines.
• 📏 The 1992 vintage of Clos du Val's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon has an alcohol content of 13.5%, showcasing a balanced and elegant profile.

Palate profile

Producer

Clos du Val, established in 1972 by John and Henrietta Goelet, is a family-owned winery located in Napa Valley's Stags Leap District, California. The Goelets, with ties to Bordeaux's esteemed wine merchant Barton & Guestier, enlisted French winemaker Bernard Portet to find an ideal location for producing world-class Cabernet Sauvignon. Portet's search led him to Napa Valley, where Clos du Val's inaugural 1972 Cabernet Sauvignon gained international acclaim by participating in the 1976 Judgment of Paris, a blind tasting that elevated California wines on the global stage. Today, Clos du Val continues to craft balanced and complex wines, maintaining its legacy of excellence.