Clos Du Val Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Clos Du Val Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 is a 750ml Napa Valley Cabernet-dominant red blend bottled at 14.5% ABV. Awarded 97 points and a Platinum medal from Decanter Magazine, this vintage comes from a producer whose original 1972 Cabernet famously competed in the 1976 Judgment of Paris—and then won the 1986 rematch, cementing Clos Du Val among Napa's most historically significant estates.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California  |  Vintage: 2018  |  Producer: Clos Du Val

Production & Heritage

Founded in 1972 by French-born winemaker Bernard Portet, Clos Du Val was among the earliest wineries to establish vineyards in the Stags Leap District, drawn by the area's volcanic soils and protected microclimate. The 2018 vintage blends 80% Cabernet Sauvignon with 12% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot, and 1% Malbec—a Bordeaux-inspired assemblage that distinguishes it from many single-varietal Napa Cabernets. Fermentation took place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks with two to three pump overs daily to maximize extraction, followed by 19 months of aging in 58% new oak—predominantly French, with small proportions of Hungarian and American barrels—contributing structure and subtle spice without overwhelming the fruit.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Dark and inviting, opening with concentrated blackcurrant and ripe plum before layers of mocha, espresso, and baking spice emerge. Violet and dried herb accents add complexity on the second pass.

Taste: The entry is rich and immediate, with blackberry and cassis fruit giving way to a mid-palate of dark chocolate, cedar, and graphite. Cinnamon and mint weave through the structure, while a creamy mouthfeel holds everything in balance. The Merlot and Petit Verdot contribute roundness and floral depth that pure Cabernet bottlings often lack.

Finish: Long and smooth, with velvety tannins that grip gently and carry notes of dark chocolate and cedar. A subtle minerality lingers, reflecting the volcanic terroir of the Stags Leap District.

How to Drink Clos Du Val 2018

Decanting for 45 to 60 minutes opens up the layered aromatics and softens the firm tannin structure; serve at 60–65°F in a large-bowled Bordeaux glass. Grilled ribeye is a natural match, where the wine's tannins cut through richness and its dark fruit complements charred meat. Braised short ribs benefit from the wine's depth and spice notes. A charcuterie spread featuring aged Gouda and cured meats highlights the cedar and chocolate undertones nicely.

Best For

• Cellaring for a special anniversary or milestone—structured to age well through the mid-2030s
• Gifting a serious Napa Valley wine collector or Bordeaux enthusiast
• Anchoring a seated dinner party built around red meat courses
• Adding a benchmark Stags Leap District Cabernet to a home cellar

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Clos Du Val 2018 taste like? Rich and layered, this wine leads with blackcurrant and dark berry fruit, followed by dark chocolate, cedar, and graphite, finishing with velvety tannins and a lingering smooth close.

How does Clos Du Val 2018 compare to Shafer One Point Five? Both are flagship Stags Leap District Cabernets from the outstanding 2018 vintage and share the same volcanic terroir. Clos Du Val tends toward a more Bordeaux-influenced, structured style with its four-varietal blend, while Shafer One Point Five generally leans riper and more fruit-forward as a higher-percentage Cabernet Sauvignon.

Is Clos Du Val 2018 good for aging? Yes—the firm tannin structure, balanced acidity, and 19 months of predominantly new French oak aging give this wine a strong foundation for cellaring through at least the mid-2030s, though it drinks well now after proper decanting.

Where is Clos Du Val 2018 made? Clos Du Val is located in the Stags Leap District of Napa Valley, California, with estate vineyards on the valley floor between the Vaca Mountains and the Silverado Trail, benefiting from volcanic soils and cooling afternoon breezes.

What foods pair well with Clos Du Val 2018? Grilled ribeye or filet mignon matches its firm tannin structure. Braised lamb shanks complement the wine's depth of spice. Aged hard cheeses like Gruyère or Manchego echo its savory, cedar-laced character. Dark chocolate desserts mirror the mocha and espresso undertones.

What sizes does Clos Du Val 2018 come in? The Clos Du Val Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 is available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Clos Du Val 2018 worth the price? Positioned as a premium Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon carrying a 97-point Decanter Platinum medal, this wine competes favorably with peers at similar and higher price points within one of Napa Valley's most celebrated appellations.

Why Clos Du Val 2018?

Few Napa wineries carry the historical weight of Clos Du Val—a producer that helped prove California's legitimacy on the world stage through its role in the Judgment of Paris and its outright victory in the 1986 rematch. The 2018 vintage, scoring 97 points and earning a Platinum medal from Decanter, stands as one of the estate's strongest modern releases. Its Bordeaux-inspired blend of four red varieties, aged in a deliberate mix of French, Hungarian, and American oak, delivers a complexity and structural elegance that distinguishes it within a district dominated by single-varietal bottlings. For collectors and serious drinkers, this is a compelling expression of what the Stags Leap District and its volcanic soils can achieve.