Clos du Val – Merlot 2013 – Block 6 Carneros – Napa Valley

The nose is fruity, fine and relatively powerful. It reveals notes of ripe red fruits, cassis and crème de cassis associated with small notes of black cherry, spice, a hint of Sichuan pepper as well as a touch of liquorice stick and a hint of gray pepper. The palate is fruity, round, supple, relatively fat, a bit silky and offers tension, a fine freshness, a good volume, a mineral frame as well as a good matter. On the palate this wine expresses notes of blackberry, cassis and small red fruit (raspberry, cherry) associated with slight notes of sweet spices and a fine hint of cardamom / cinnamon. Tannins are fine and (very) slightly firm. Good length and persistence.