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. — 11 days ago

Alexandre Pagliano

9.0

Dark rubi robe, nose of anise, blackcurrant, dark cherries and top soil notes. Very complex and balanced, ready to go but will last a long time. We had had from Magnum. Gotta be the best vintage we had recently. Among the finest values in Bordeaux red. — 3 years ago

with Adriana

KFin

9.5

Sticky and sweet with heavy notes of cherry and plum — 4 years ago

James

9.0

Well balanced and good mouthfeel. Nice light and gentle fruits for a light easy drinking wine with class — 3 months ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.5

2019 vintage. A blend of 47% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc. Special label to celebrate the 160th harvest by the Miailh family at Siran.This must be the finest Siran I have ever tasted. Textbook elegant Margaux with exemplary purity of fruit, complexity and velvety tannin. Long finish. Abv. 14%. — 3 years ago

Daniel Bloom

9.3

One of finest mass produced “ craft “ beers on the east coast.
Wonderful bitterness on a hot day.
Some sugar shack residual sweetness.
Really packs a resinous punch. — 3 years ago

Willie Carter

9.3

Oh my, what an absolute joy. This right here sings the song I want to hear. A pale old gold color in the glass. Perfectly precise perlage with a plethora of tiny, fine bubbles and showcasing innate creaminess. The nose is slightly intense opening with aromas of hazelnut, chalk, and lemon zest. Warm buttered brioche takes over for a moment full of bliss then a bit of smoke. Juicy peaches and pears commingle with fresh herbs and spices.

100% Chardonnay from the five Grand Cru villages of Avize, Chouilly, Cramant, Oger, and Mesnil-sur-Oger. The tête de cuvée of Champagne Taittinger and it shows. It’s a very noble, prestigious champagne that matches complexity with downright deliciousness. The juxtaposition between luxury and comfort is evident here. Like coming out of a bath and slipping on your finest robe. The racy acidity and exquisitely dry nature of the wine belies the dosage of 9 g/l.

Very creamy in the mouth and though it starts off a bit demanding, it soon becomes so inviting after some time. Every sip demands the proper time and contemplation. Chalky and rich, positively bursting with citrus fruits. Apples and toast everywhere along with gun flint and more smoke. Medium long finish with traces of spice. A powerful, graceful champagne that’s full of finesse. This can go for decades longer but if you open it now sit with it for a while. Give it the proper time. You might fall in love just a little. — 4 years ago

Lee Pitofsky

9.5

Showing so well! So juicy and pure and straight silk on the palate. Village at its finest. — 6 months ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.4

2020 vintage. General manager Laure Canu states that Cantemerle has never followed trends and will always be a wine of elegance, never showy. And that is exactly what it is. After 15 minutes in the glass, it displays bright cassis fruit, mixed with flowers and cedar wood. Medium-bodied, fresh, and elegant, with more complexity and more refined tannins, compared to the 2018. Very good length too.This is the finest Cantemerle I have ever tasted. Incredible value too. Abv. 13,5 %. — 2 years ago

Lyle Fass

Founder Fass Selections

9.5

Girard really did well in 19. This has a level of aromatic refinement you only get in the best Girard vintages. 12 is the best vintage before this. Then 14. Then 17. 13 is a favorite of mine even if it is ranked here. Anyways the nose has refined and precise florals, dark black cherry that has a stank to it. Just classy and intense. Screams great vintage. Palate is terrific. Beautiful soaking fruit, amazing cut, clarity, freshness and concentration. Has that amazing tiny berry intense black/red 19 fruit. Focused like a laser. This is so good. What a spine this has. Lavieres always ages well but thus will age particularly well. Add 5 years to whatever window you think. Maybe 10. Wild berry fruit and wet earth develop with air. Really pretty and complex. Compact with terrific fruit sweetness. Superb grip. I’d wait 5-6 years. What a finish. Maybe the finest young red I’ve had from Girard. — 4 years ago