History of Clos du Bois
Over 40 Years of History
After traveling France’s wine regions, founder Frank Woods returned home inspired to marry the elegant French style of winemaking with his vibrant California fruit. Decades later, we continue to embrace his winemaking philosophy, earning a devoted following among those who love refined, approachable wines.
Our winery timeline
- 1974: Premiere of our Classic Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
- 1978: Briarcrest and Marlstone, Sonoma County’s first Bordeaux style red blend
- 1979, 1980: Calcaire and Flintwood join the Vineyard Designates series
- 1980s: Addition of Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc to our Classics tier
- 1986: Clos du Bois featured on the cover of Wine Spectator as “California’s Best Kept Secret,” confirming its place as a premier winery in Sonoma County
- Early 1990s: Classic Zinfandel releases, winery moves to current location
- 1990s: Sonoma Reserve Series created to explore appellation subtleties
- 2000s: Select vineyards isolated to create upper-tier Proprietary Series
- 2014: Dedication of the Frank Woods Memorial Marlstone Vineyard Block to Commemorate the winery’s 40th Anniversary
Wines at Clos du Bois
Wine Name:
Clos Du Bois Briarcrest Cabernet Sauvignon
- Winery:
- Clos du Bois
- Vintage:
- 2012
- Origin:
- United States, California, Alexander Valley
- Tasting Notes:
- Espresso, Blackberry, Currant, Chewy Tannins, Toasty Oak
- Food Pairing:
- Cheese (Bold), Game Birds, Roasted Vegetables, Veal
- Enjoyment Factor:
- Slightly chilled (60-65 degrees)
- Price:
- $$$$$
Wine Name:
Clos du Bois Briarcrest Cabernet Sauvignon
- Winery:
- Clos du Bois
- Vintage:
- 2012
- Origin:
- Alexander Valley
- Tasting Notes:
- Espresso, Oak Finish, Cedar, Tannins, Black Fruit, Currant
- Food Pairing:
- Beef, Roasted Meat, Smoked Meat
- Enjoyment Factor:
- Slightly chilled (60-65 degrees)
- Price:
- $$$$$
Wine Name:
Clos Du Bois Russian River Chardonnay
- Winery:
- Clos du Bois
- Vintage:
- 2012
- Origin:
- California, Russian River Valley
- Tasting Notes:
- Buttery, Oak Finish, Citrus Notes, Stone Fruit
- Food Pairing:
- Asian, Fish, Shellfish, Chicken, Pasta White Sauce
- Enjoyment Factor:
- Price:
- $$$$$
Wine Name:
Clos Du Bois Chardonnay
- Winery:
- Clos du Bois
- Vintage:
- 2013
- Origin:
- California
- Tasting Notes:
- Buttery, Oak Finish, Citrus Notes, Stone Fruit
- Food Pairing:
- Asian, Fish, Shellfish, Chicken, Pasta White Sauce
- Enjoyment Factor:
- Price:
- $$$$$
Wine Name:
Clos Du Bois Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
- Winery:
- Clos du Bois
- Vintage:
- 2012
- Origin:
- Alexander Valley, California
- Tasting Notes:
- Dried Spices, Full Bodied, Red Fruits
- Food Pairing:
- Beef, Burgers, Pasta Red Sauce
- Enjoyment Factor:
- Price:
- $$$$$