On Apr 11, 10:25�am, Mark Lipton > wrote:
> Bi!! wrote:
> > Opened last night with dinnner a bottle of 1991 Clos Du Val Napa
> > Valley Cabernet. �Ecellent cork with a fair amount of tartrate
> > crystals. �The wine was still a deep reddish purple with a slight
> > brickish cast. �Nose of plums and cedar. �Very smooth on the palate,
> > medium bodied with bright red fruits, plums, current, a bit of peach,
> > leather and cedar. �Fully mature with resolved tannins and a firm
> > acidity. �The wine seems to be holding nicely and will be ok for at
> > least another few years. "B+"
>
> Thanks for these notes, Bill. �On another forum, the topic of "classic"
> California Cabernets came up and, along with Montelena, Dunn, Ridge and
> a handful of others I offered Clos du Val as an example. �The wines
> aren't showy or big, but age well and usually develop into something
> tasty. �I'll have to go visit them again when next in Napa.
>
> Mark Lipton
>
> --
> alt.food.wine FAQ: �http://winefaq.hostexcellence.com

If you do stop at Clos du Val you might want to stop at Cliff Lede
Vineyards. Lede is on Yountville Cross about 1/4 mile off Silverado
Trail (the old S. Anderson Winery) in the Stags Leap District.
They're making a pretty good SB and some impressive Cabernet blends
under the Cliff Lede label. They have spent a ton on replanting and
building a new facility and I expect to see Lede in that eleite group
you mentioned in a few years.