Clos du Val has always made wines with long-term cellaring in mind. This blend, based on Cabernet Sauvignon, is dry and tannic, with spicy, toasty oak dominating. Beneath that are rich, compelling notes of cassis and dark chocolate. The alcohol is refeshingly low, below 14%. This dramatic wine needs a minimum of six years, and should develop for at least ten. ——S.H.(6/1/2011)—— 93