Wines Napa Valley Clos du Val - 2022

Clos du Val’s 2022 Napa Valley red comes from one of California’s most esteemed wine-growing regions, known worldwide for its rich, expressive, and age-worthy wines. While the exact grape blend for this vintage is not specified, Napa Valley reds—particularly those from Clos du Val—are often crafted from Bordeaux varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Cabernet Franc, though the producer sometimes experiments with other classic or regionally suited grapes. The 2022 vintage followed a challenging growing season, with warm spells creating concentrated flavours and ripe tannins that should present well in the glass. The winemaking at Clos du Val typically emphasises a balance between ripe fruit and structure, often favouring restrained oak influence to highlight both varietal purity and the distinctive characteristics of the estate’s terroir.

Napa Valley, nestled between the Mayacamas and Vaca mountain ranges north of San Francisco, boasts a Mediterranean climate with abundant sunshine, cool marine fog influences, and dramatic diurnal temperature shifts. This combination fosters slow, even ripening and encourages complexity and balance in the wines. Soils in the region are diverse, largely volcanic or alluvial, providing excellent drainage and the potential for deep, persistent root systems. With a winemaking history having gained international acclaim since the 1970s, Napa Valley reds are celebrated for their plush fruit, generous texture, and refined power.

With its likely deep fruit profile and firm structure, Clos du Val’s Napa Valley 2022 red would be superb with classic Californian dishes such as grilled ribeye steak, rosemary lamb chops, or slow-braised short ribs. For a regional touch, consider dishes featuring local mushrooms or wild herbs, or even a traditional American barbecue. Strong, mature cheeses and hearty vegetarian dishes with lentils or aubergine would also complement the wine’s intensity.

To enjoy this wine at its best, serve it at 16-18°C after allowing it to breathe for at least thirty minutes, either with a brief decant or by opening the bottle ahead of time. This will help reveal its full spectrum of aromas and flavours, lending the tasting experience elegance and depth.