2016 Clos Du Val Estate Merlot Napa Valley 750 ml

Clos du Val is in the midst of a rebirth as exciting as their ascent to fame forty years ago. And if their magnificent 2016 Estate Merlot—the first off the property in decades—indicates the direction of this legendary Napa Valley estate, then we are enthusiastically and unequivocally all-in. 

The 2016 Clos du Val Estate Merlot Napa Valley hails from their famed Hirondelle Vineyard in Stags Leap District as well as their prime sites in Yountville and Carneros, and it is a straight-up, mouthwatering Napa Valley classic. Pouring a deep glass-clinging purple, it’s got a nose of macerated plums, black cherry, baking spice, and a whiff of coffee. Mouth-coating but not heavy, with a firm and plush core, it’s carried through a long finish by beautiful velvety tannins.

We taste tons of Merlot, but don’t say yes to many. That’s because we’re looking for the standard-bearers, the flagships, the rare bottles that will please our many Bordeaux fans and Napa Valley lovers—and this one checks all the boxes. Thanks to our close connection with Clos du Val’s Armen Khachaturian (with whom we’ve been visiting on Facebook live), 

“This is an absolute steal,” Armen said with excitement in his voice about the price Wine Access members are getting on this boutique-production Merlot. “I’d buy twelve bottles, and just watch it evolve over the years.” This is the perfect chance to stock your cellar with a Napa Valley classic that lives up to its storied predecessors and offers a gorgeous glimpse into this Stags Leap legend’s future.

Clos Du Val helped put California on the map at the 1976 Judgement of Paris tasting, and their latest move was an inspired and audacious one: a winery with four decades of success cutting their production by more than half, all in the name of quality. The Napa Valley wine world welcomed the news, and we’re thrilled with how the benchmark winery is doubling down on their commitment to world-class wines. 

A good amount of Clos du Val’s grapes were still under contract with other wineries after they made the decision to go all-estate, so there was no Clos du Val Merlot in 2014 or 2015. This bottle represents their return, and 2016 turned out to be the perfect year to display the heights that Clos du Val can achieve: Conditions were optimal in the 98-point season, and it shows in this Merlot. 

This is the chance to taste a legendary Napa Valley winery returning to its roots. They’re going all-in, and we’re going all-in with this special allocation. We invite you to join us.