Freddy R. Troya

9.6

Chappellet – Signature Cabernet Sauvignon – 2022 🇺🇸
Pritchard Hill (Mountain Fruit) – Napa Valley AVA – California, USA

Overview
A cornerstone of Chappellet for over three decades, the Signature Cabernet Sauvignon continues to define what Napa Valley mountain Cabernet is all about: power, elegance, and longevity.
The 2022 vintage carries a subtly adjusted blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot, 7% Malbec, 2% Merlot, featuring a touch more Cabernet Sauvignon and slightly less Petit Verdot and Malbec compared to the 2021 (see my v2021 notes).
This shift gives the 2022 an extra dimension of muscle and purity, heightening its mountain-driven character.

Aromas & Flavors
Undeniably dark and expressive. Notes of blackcurrant, dark cherry, plum, and cassis rise first, followed by cedar, sage, aged tobacco, thyme, and beautifully integrated toasted oak.
As it opens, deeper nuances emerge, espresso bean, cocoa, graphite, and subtle mountain herbs.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied and impeccably structured.
The increase in Cabernet Sauvignon amplifies its power and linearity, while polished tannins deliver a glowing richness across the palate.
Flavors of black cherry, currant, chocolate, espresso, and warm spice saturate the mid-palate. The finish is long, confident, and built for aging.

Food Pairings
Prime rib, grilled ribeye, lamb with rosemary, venison, black-truffle dishes, or aged gouda/cheddar.

Verdict
A formidable yet seductively elegant expression of Pritchard Hill. The 2022 is slightly more commanding than the 2021, with enhanced Cabernet purity and structural depth. A true benchmark in Napa’s hillside Cabernets, age-worthy, expressive, and unmistakably Chappellet. Cheers!

Did You Know?
Pritchard Hill’s volcanic, iron-rich soils and elevation create Cabernets known for density, refinement, and remarkable longevity, which is why so many iconic Napa producers source or plant here.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
Among my personal favorites in the mountain Cabernet category. The 2022 delivers that unmistakable “whoa” moment, especially when shared with friends and family. — 3 days ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.1

2017 vintage. Really tight, even after being open for two hours. Will hit the second-half of the bottle tomorrow night to look for improvement. **Edit**Finished the bottle on night two. Juice spiced up a slight, finely ground black pepper note but otherwise, the same. Considering that the winery prioritizes this particular wine as a cornerstone wine out of all the offerings, thinking this wine to be in a "dumb" phase currently. Will try to hit again in a year. — 3 years ago

Stuart Pollack

9.4

Classic, elegant, and smooth Cabernet Sauvignon. Not complex but a paradigm of California Cabernet Sauvignon. Perfect with steak. Red fruit, oak, smooth tannins in finish. Open and drink: this wine will not get better with further age and does not need to breathe. — 6 months ago

Jeremiah Diaz

9.2

Deep ruby color, almost black; blackberries, cassis, and graphite on the nose; medium plus acidity; high tannins; tastes like black currants, black plums, and wet slate with a long finish. Nellie didn't like it. — 8 months ago

with Jason and Nellie

Tom Kohli

8.9

Excellent Bordeaux! Drinks without decanting but also excellent 2 days later! Would buy again. Cornerstone pasta dinner. — 3 years ago

Steve Gerths

9.3

Boysenberry notes, chocolate and sweet oak — 3 years ago

Brent S

9.1

If you have the 2010s, drink up! — 7 months ago

Brent S

9.3

Always remarkable wines, and with Last Bottle, this was a steal — 8 months ago

Jay Kline

9.5

Another producer to inherit some vineyards from Verset was Thiérry Allemand who purchased Noëls holdings in Reynard. That vineyard is the cornerstone for this wine. The 1999 Allemand “Reynard” is still full of fresh brambles, some cow pasture, and beautiful purple flowers. It’s sanguine with inorganic earth and gentle spices. Bangin’ with venison, umami bomb, potato and pearl onion. This is gorgeous and should be outstanding through 2040+. — 2 years ago

Steve Gerths

9.5

This is a beautiful Cab. Extremely smooth. Dark cherry notes — 3 years ago