Clos du Val Peace on Earth
Full-bodied red wine · Clos du Val Winery, founded in 1972 by John Goelet and French winemaker Bernard Portet. Known for producing elegant, Bordeaux-style Cabernet Sauvignon in the Stags Leap District.
Vintage: Non-vintage / Special Release
Type
Full-bodied red wine
Producer
Clos du Val Winery, founded in 1972 by John Goelet and French winemaker Bernard Portet. Known for producing elegant, Bordeaux-style Cabernet Sauvignon in the Stags Leap District.
Country
United States
Vintage
Non-vintage / Special Release
Region & Appellation
Napa Valley, Stags Leap District AVA, California, USA
Grape Varieties
Cabernet Sauvignon dominant Bordeaux blend
Color & Appearance
Deep ruby-purple with opaque core and crimson rim, showing moderate viscosity and slow-moving legs.
Aroma Profile
Pronounced aromas of black cherry, cassis, and ripe plum, complemented by secondary notes of vanilla, toasted cedar, and subtle undertones of earth and baking spices.
Tasting Notes
A powerful yet balanced entry on the palate leading into a lush mid-palate of concentrated dark fruits, velvety tannins, and a long, warming finish with lingering hints of oak and spice.
Flavor Profile
Flavors of black currant, blackberry, and dark chocolate, layered with nuances of espresso, graphite, and sweet French oak spice.
Body & Texture
Full-bodied with a rich, velvety texture, fine-grained tannins, and a supple, mouth-coating finish.
Acidity & Tannins
Medium-high acidity providing structural freshness to balance the opulent fruit, coupled with ripe, polished tannins.
Sweetness Level
Dry with negligible residual sugar
Alcohol Content
14.5% ABV
Aging & Oak
Aged for approximately 18 to 22 months in French oak barrels, a significant portion of which is new oak, imparting complex notes of toast, vanilla, and spice.
Food Pairings
Prime ribeye steak, roasted lamb chops, braised short ribs, and aged hard cheeses like aged gouda or white cheddar.
Serving Suggestions
Serve at 60-65°F in a large Bordeaux glass. Decant for 1 to 2 hours before serving.
Price Range
80-150 USD
Quality Assessment
91-94 points, representing a premium, collectible Napa Valley red wine with excellent craftsmanship.
Production Methods
Hand-harvested grapes, destemmed, fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks with extended maceration, and aged in French oak barrels.
Terroir
Well-drained volcanic and alluvial soils of the Stags Leap District, benefiting from cooling maritime breezes from the San Pablo Bay.
History & Heritage
Clos du Val was established in 1972 and famously participated in the historic 1976 Judgment of Paris tasting.
Interesting Facts
The 'Peace on Earth' etching and special bottling represents a limited holiday or commemorative release from this iconic Napa Valley winery.
Cellaring Potential
Can be enjoyed now or cellared for 10 to 15 years to develop tertiary leather and forest floor complexities.
Similar Wines
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars S.L.V., Shafer One Point Five, Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon