Clos du Val – Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 – Stag Leaps District – Napa Valley

(78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot.) The nose is fruity, fine and quite intense. It reveals notes of blackberry, cassis jam, violets, cassis, fine notes of black cherry and touches of wild strawberry associated with fine notes of spices, Sichuan pepper, a discreet hint of zan as well as a fine touch of Ceylon tea and licorice. The palate is fruity, fat, elegant, fluid and offers an acid frame acid (in the background), minerality, opulence, a good volume, a fine juiciness, suavity as well as a beautiful matter. On the palate this wine expresses notes of juicy plum, strawberry, juicy berries, blackberries, cassis associated with a touch of cherry, raspberry as well as discreet touches of licorice, vanilla and a hint of toasted oak. Tannins are fine and very slightly firm.