Veronica S

9.2

Pronounced nose of red fruits. Rose, strawberry, crush granite, black tea. Interesting pomegranate flavor on the palate. Beautifully balanced wine. Long finish.  — 5 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

The final few wines from the Henschke weekend at Spicers Peak Lodge. The Wheelwright Vineyard was planted in 1968 in the Eden Valley by Cyril Henschke. Has the same Sage and Pepper characters similar to Mount Edelstone and Hill of Grace. Crushed herb characters and red fruit. Full bodied and promising a long cellar life. HH says to 2036. The wines name pays tribute to the founder, Johann Christian Henschke who established the family winery in 1868. He arrived as a skilled stonemason and wheelwright. — 2 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

See previous notes here on Delectable. Mid to pale ruby in colour. Pale yet powerful. Great aromatics of pansies, rose petals and violets also stalkiness. As Barb said the aromas of a beautiful garden. After a while an Animale, feral note not unlike some Burgundies we’ve had. Medium bodied palate - dried red fruits with a sweet yet savoury twist. A very polished new World Pinot by any measure. Tasters often identify with Central Otago and Martinborough for quality NZ Pinot Noir. Don’t forget about Canterbury in the South Island not far from the city of Christchurch. Luckily I have 2 left. Bob Campbell MW says drink through to 2025. — 3 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.4

Chappellet – Cabernet Franc – 2022
Napa Valley AVA · Pritchard Hill · California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A refined Bordeaux-inspired blend anchored by 76% Cabernet Franc, supported by 17% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Merlot. The vines, planted in 1989, thrive in the volcanic soils of Pritchard Hill, yielding concentrated fruit with remarkable aromatic lift. Aged 22 months in French oak (60% new), this wine shows both the elegance and mountain intensity that define Chappellet’s signature reds.

Aromas & Flavors
Beautifully expressive with cedar, graphite, sage, red currant, rose petal and a hint of sandalwood. As it opens, deeper tones of black cherry, anise, white pepper and subtle earthiness reveal themselves with grace.

Mouthfeel
Velvety and layered, with seamless tannins and a poised structure. The palate shows depth without heaviness, leading to a long, complex finish that carries dark fruit, spice and a gentle mineral echo.

Food Pairings
Perfect with herb-roasted poultry, pork tenderloin, mushroom dishes, grilled vegetables or aged semi-firm cheeses. Anything savory or herb-accented will meet this wine beautifully.

Verdict
Elegant, balanced and quietly powerful. This Cabernet Franc stands as one of Napa’s finest expressions of the grape, capturing both sophistication and mountain character.

Did You Know?
Cabernet Franc is one of the parents of Cabernet Sauvignon (crossed with Sauvignon Blanc), giving this wine a noble lineage and distinct personality on Pritchard Hill.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
A wine I reach for when I want tradition, depth and grace in one glass. This is the “big papa” of Cabernets, and sometimes the best pairing truly is myself. — 5 months ago

Colin Cahoon

9.2

Raspberry, cinnamon, nutmeg, dark cherry, and cedar on the nose. In addition to the above, the palate adds cranberry, dark cherry, black pepper, dark plum, and cocoa. Medium alcohol, high acid, a long finish, and medium plus tannins, more of a Bordeaux style, although it is a bit fruit forward. My experience with Red Rose Hill cabs is that they need age on them to shine. At the 13 year mark, this vintage is at its prime. — 3 years ago

Christa Bender

9.3

A wonderful combo of honey, rose, amd orange blossom. Very good ice cold and the sweetness changes as it dances on your tongue. — 3 years ago

with Jennifer

T Buch

10

$30 grape creek Fredericksburg
Light- not too sweet. Our charming 2023 Riesling is a brilliant pale straw in hue with a tiny hint of chartreuse. By far our driest Riesling yet with only about 1% residual sugar, the ABV is a late-afternoon friendly 11.4%.

Engaging floral aromas of honeysuckle, white rose petal, gardenia, and citrus blossom are in lovely harmony with nectarine, honey dew melon, and kiwi. The palate is well-balanced, crisp and clean, and finishes with a refreshing, brisk acidity. There is a subtle touch of minerality that should develop nicely with a year or so of bottle age. — a year ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

At the Henschke weekend at Spicers. Interestingly Stephen and Pru spent 2 years in Germany so they would know a thing or two about Riesling. Eden Valley is one of Australia’s premium Riesling districts. This shows traditional Eden lime characteristics (as compared to Clare Valley lemon characters said the Somm - I agree). Good palate intensity and acidity. — 2 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

See previous note from November 2021. Fresh red fruits of cherry, strawberry and raspberry with red rose aromatics together with loam and some stalkiness. A new World version of a superb Vosne Romanee Bourgogne or even 1er Cru. This wine won Most Outstanding Red Wine at the 2021 Royal Adelaide Wine Show. Of all the capital city wine Shows Royal Adelaide is generally regarded as the most prestigious. Just a gorgeous Tasmanian Pinot Noir. Had the last bottle 99 weeks later on 1st April 2025. This tasting was a bit underwhelming. Not nearly as good as the 2017 Home Hill Estate 2017 the night before. I have 3 bottles of the 2021 left. Short to midterm drinking. — 3 years ago

Joshua Hudson

9.3

Well balanced. Nice acidity. Notes of vanilla, oak, mango and peach. — 4 years ago