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Decanter
...While is shows power in flavour and structure, its perfect balance of acids and ripe tannins renders it silky smooth and elegant. (August 2006)
Wine EnthusiastRating: 90; Cellar Selection
With just 13.5% alcohol, this Cab marches to its own beat. In an era of gooey, late-picked wines, this one’s dry, tight and tannic, obviously designed for the cellar. Clos Du Val always has celebrated their Cab’s ageworthiness, and such are the wine’s fruity cherry flavors that it should do interesting things after 2008 and beyond. (December 15, 2005)
Dan Berger's Vintage ExperiencesRating: Exceptional
Classic aroma of black fruit, dried herbs, and a trace of anise. Entry is richer than some wines of the past, but the finish is based on acidity, so it isn’t as ‘sweet” as many. As with CDV wines of the past, structured to age. (December 8, 2005)
East Valley TribuneCalling all collectors: This is the one. I already enjoy Clos Du Val's regular Cab, but this one is taken to a whole new level. The winemaker only makes Reserve varieties in exceptional years, which says something on its own. Just released last month, it's chock full of ripe dark fruit, herbs and coffee, and has been (already) smoothed out some by 20 months in French oak (75 percent new). The bottle is made in a classic Bordeaux style with 76 percent cab, 18 percent merlot and 6 percent cab franc, and will age for 10 to 15 years. Put it on the floor or your darkest, coolest closet and forget about it. (October 19, 2005)
Ventura County StarWines aged for 20 months in mostly new French oak barrels will typically be the most expensive wines on the shelves, and this is no exception. But if you want a classic Bordeaux-style blend from California, this is among the best representations of it. (September 14, 2005)
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