Founding winemaker Bernard Portet left the Bordeaux region of France to establish Clos Du Val in the Stags Leap District of Napa Valley in 1972. Though he initially chose the site for Cabernet Sauvignon, he soon realized its potential for producing well-balanced, elegant Merlot.

Today Clos Du Val’s Merlot is comprised of approximately 65% estate Stags Leap District fruit, with the remaining from neighboring Napa Valley vineyards. The winery's Merlot is full bodied with soft, silky tannins.