In a valley where heritage is often bought and bottled, Clos du Val remains a true family affair. Founded in 1972 by John and Henrietta Goelet, the estate helped put Napa on the international wine map—and more than fifty years later, it’s still in the hands of the same family. Today, their grandson Olav Goelet leads as CEO, stewarding the Stags Leap District estate into its next chapter with the kind of confident conviction you’d expect from a third-generation vintner raised on the ethos of long-term thinking.
Clos du Val has always drawn strength from its dual identity—French roots with Californian ambition; the winery’s signature style is grounded in Bordeaux varietals, leaning into balance, structure, and elegance—the kind of wines that stand the test of time. The estate’s crown jewel is Yettalil, a layered, age-worthy blend anchored in Cabernet Sauvignon and named for Henrietta Goelet, Olav’s grandmother and the matriarch who inspired generations with her joyful and adventurous spirit. Her husband John affectionately called her “Yettalil,” and the wine—like the woman—is both graceful and formidable.
A New Era of Talent
Clos du Val’s enduring relevance has as much to do with its vision as it does with the people behind the scenes. In 2021, winemaker Carmel Greenberg joined the team after five years at Dominus Estate—another icon known for its Bordeaux focus and exacting standards. Greenberg brings a skilled hand and fresh energy to the cellar, building on the estate’s legacy with subtle yet intentional shifts.
Under her direction, the wines remain refined and polished but expressive, restrained yet dynamic. Greenberg’s touch is most vividly expressed in the newly released 2022 Yettalil Stags Leap District, which showcases seductive aromatics, layered complexity, and that hallmark freshness Clos du Val has long prized.
An Experience Worth Seeking Out
There’s no shortage of tasting rooms in Napa with soaring vineyard views and cozy design. What sets Clos du Val apart is a sense of authenticity that feels increasingly rare. The estate’s tasting room, within its Stags Leap vineyards, offers immersive experiences that are worth a winetasting stop.
The “Yettalil Past, Present, Future Immersion Tasting” is a particular standout. Guests begin with a stroll to a secluded cabana—weather permitting—for a guided tasting of a library vintage alongside the current release. From there, they’re invited into the cellar for a barrel sample of a future vintage, making this more than a typical flight—it’s a time capsule in motion, paired with artisan cheese and charcuterie. The experience ($100 per guest) is capped at four people and designed to last 90 minutes, which feels like just enough time to sink into the world Clos du Val has carefully cultivated.
Why It Still Matters
As Napa becomes increasingly dominated by high-profile acquisitions and star-backed vanity labels, Clos du Val offers something that’s increasingly scarce: continuity. The land, the family, the vision—it’s all still there, ever evolving without abandoning its roots.
That alone makes it worth a visit. But add in the winemaking talent of Greenberg, the welcoming hospitality, and a flagship wine with real soul, and Clos du Val isn’t just holding its place in Napa—it’s redefining what staying power looks like.
Photos are by Mike Battey Photography, unless otherwise noted, and are courtesy of Clos du Val