Smooth- in Florida at the Ritz — 7 months ago
Drank with Thanksgiving dinner at Marks. Fruitier end of Oregon Pinot, but really good with the meal. Mark smoked the turkey after lathering it in mayo. A trick he learned from a local BBQ pit boss. First time the white meat has ever been better (juicy and tender) than the dark). — a month ago
Pale to mid yellow in colour. The wine was a little cold to begin with. Aromas of talc and lime marmalade, dried flowers - a faint paraffin note - No Kerosene or petrol (TDN). A beautiful aged Riesling from the Clare Valley from Petaluma - a long time favourite producer of Riesling. With air and warming up, some yellow peach notes developing. I see HH said this benefits from decanting which I didn’t do. Drinking at its peak. Sadly my last 2012. — 2 years ago
Chappellet – Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 2022.
Napa Valley AVA · Pritchard Hill · California, USA 🇺🇸
Overview
The crown jewel of Chappellet’s portfolio and one of Napa Valley’s true mountain icons. Made in extremely limited quantities, this wine represents the pinnacle of the estate’s Bordeaux-inspired philosophy, an expression of power, elegance, and the profound identity of Pritchard Hill.
A masterful blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot, crafted with meticulous precision to honor Donn Chappellet’s original vision.
Aromas & Flavors
A captivating aromatic spectrum: liqueur-like blackcurrant, cassis, and ripe blackberry, followed by violet, cedar, and sweet oak. Layers of black tea, roasted coffee, graphite, cinnamon, and vanilla bean slowly emerge as it opens in the glass, revealing depth with each minute.
Mouthfeel
Monumental yet refined. Silky but tightly structured tannins frame a core of ultra-concentrated mountain fruit. The palate expands with flavors of black cherry, currant, cocoa powder, espresso, and subtle mineral tension. Long, resonant, and commanding.
Food Pairings
Best reserved for special meals, think: Dry-aged ribeye, Herb-crusted lamb rack, Wagyu with peppercorn sauce, Truffle risotto and/or Aged Gouda or Parmigiano Reggiano
Verdict
A breathtaking Cabernet Sauvignon at the highest echelon of Napa Valley winemaking. Dimension, finesse, and mountain precision all converge here. Every sip affirms its place among California’s elite. Worth every penny, and deserving of a distinguished spot in any serious cellar.
Did You Know?
Pritchard Hill is often called “The Rodeo Drive of Napa Cabernet” due to its ultra-prestigious hillside estates and intensely low-yielding vineyards. Chappellet was the very first to plant here, which is why they’re referred to as “The Pioneers of Pritchard Hill.”
🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
A wine I proudly cellar myself. Massive yet graceful, a true mountain Cabernet that stops you in your tracks. This is the Chappellet bottle that leaves even seasoned tasters saying “whoa.” Cheers! — 2 months ago
Grippy tight and tannic at opening but softened into juicy plum and cranberry with graphite and soft tannins. Lovely. Drink now if you have any of the 96 left. — 9 months ago
Voted WOTN for good reason. This has been a bucket list wine for me. Some sections of this famous vineyard were planted in 1860 but all of the vines are ridiculously old. It’s bombastic and really stands out from the crowd. Very expressive both on the nose and on the palate. Full bodied and multi layered. Creamy and rich texture. Dark berries, plums, coffee, cigar, orange peel, eucalyptus, soy, cigar box and an array of oriental spices. Probably at a peak right now, such a joy to drink. — 3 years ago
Jon Ebsworth
Paraffin notes on the nose, lemon and lime notes on the palate. Took a while to open up, interesting bottle at almost a decade under screw cap. At 10 Greek St on their LBB list — 14 days ago