2012 Clos du Val Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Hooray for Sunday afternoons!  I finally had a chance to get caught up on yard work, picking up branches, mowing the grass and sweeping up a wheelbarrow full of acorn shells from the sidewalk, but now it's time to relax with dinner and a glass of wine.  Tonight I've opened up a bottle I picked up at the local wine store maybe six months ago, the 2012 Clos du Val Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.  So let's see how this one stacks up!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, with an inky center.  The nose is classis Cabernet, with aromas of leather, blackberry, black cherry and oak.  The taste is wonderful, with a bit of sweet black fruit up front, blackberry, cherry and cassis that transition effortlessly to some notes of tobacco and peppery spice midpalate.  The tannins are firm, providing a wonderful foundation for the long, smooth and exceptionally dry finish.  This is just how a wonderful Napa Valley Cabernet should taste.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, it's a great bottle of wine that at just $25 would compare favorably to many Napa Cabernets selling for double that price.  This is a great steak and potatoes sort of wine, which is fortunate since that's what's for dinner tonight!  I am enjoying this one with a rare grilled prime filet mignon, a home grown baked potato I picked up at my Amish farm stand yesterday, and some grilled asparagus.  Cheers!