As much as I like Carneros Pinot Noir from the Sonoma side, I have hesitations about the Pinot that comes from the Napa side. (Hm…are there wine gangs?) I find that in many cases Napa PN is a little…crunchier, if you will? But in any event, I rather liked this one. So it just goes to show you it’s not necessarily all about terroir, but how a winemaker chooses to showcase the fruit as well.
About the Wine: The Clos du Val 2016 Pinot Noir is made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes harvested from the estate vineyards in the Carneros AVA of Napa Valley. The wine fermented in 100% stainless steel tanks, undergoing regular pumpers three times daily. The wine aged in 100% French oak barrels (45% new) for 9 months.
14.5% ABV
Flavor Profile: From the bottle you can smell plump black berries, plums, damp forest floor, wet oak wood. The wine presents a clear, rusty rouge color on the pour and into the glass. Initial aromas are of bright, vibrant cranberries, wild strawberries, a hint of mushroom funk. Swirl and add a good hit of herbaceousness and some of those oak wood qualities as well as old rose petal.
This Pinot is soft, plushy on the palate. Dominant flavors of cranberry, boysenberry, wild strawberry. There’s a comforting softness that never dissipate. Acidity is strong, tannins quite low, but present. Medium bodied. Long finish. Lingering flavors are a combination of fruit, herbs, and oak.
Food Pairing: Pizza!
More Info: I received the Clos Du Val 2016 Pinot Noir as a sample for review. (Cheers Olav!) Price: $38. For more information about Clos du Val, their wines, and to purchase wine directly, please visit the Clos du Val website.
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**Please note: all reviews and opinions are my own and are not associated with any of my places of business. I will always state when a wine has been sent as a sample for review. Sending samples for review on my personal website in no way guarantees coverage in any other media outlet I may be currently associated with.**