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! — 23 days ago
We had the 2019 Vintage on 11/29-30/25. An excellent fruit forward, medium bodied and well balanced wine. Tastes of blackberry cherry, black raspberry and Asian spice. A darker fruit profile compared to three corner. — 7 days ago
Dry high acidity elegant blossom hint of wet stone pale lemon green green apple pear lemon grapefruit med body smooth long finish — 3 days ago
Pretty color of ruby with a wide reddish rim.
Fruity nose of red and blue fruits with light wood, herbs, light vegetables, spices and chocolates.
Medium plus in body with medium acidity.
Dry on the palate with black currants, blueberries, plums, cherries, earth, peppercorn, dark chocolates, herbs and light vegetables.
This 6 year old Single Vineyard Pinot Noir from Russian River Valley is drinking very nicely now. Fruit forward, rich and nicely balanced. Complex and entertaining. Elegant and tangy.
Good right out of the bottle, and gets earthier as it opens up.
Peaking now, and will continue to drink nicely in the next few years.
I had this vintage 3 years ago, and decided to let it age a bit longer, and it is drinking so much better now.
Easy drinking and good by itself or with food.
100% Pinot Noir grapes were aged for 10 months in (35% new) French Oak barrels. Unfiltered and unfined.
13.7% alcohol by volume.
91 points.
$50. — a month ago
[Tasted on November 23, 2025 at Home with Michael, Rachel and Kat]
Raspberry and blackberry fruit, with violet and soft cedar notes. Wine Spectator rated 96 points and rated #4 in its Top 100 of 2025 list. — 12 days ago
Still one of my fav pinots from the states. Terra de promisso delivers a good grape. Loved the slight spice to this. — 9 days ago
The Rutherford Hill Napa Merlot (2021) reveals a deep ruby core with subtle garnet reflections, suggesting youthful vibrancy with potential for short-term development. The nose is precise and layered, offering blackberry and raspberry fruit interwoven with cedar nuances, indicative of measured oak influence.
On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, with light acidity that enlivens the fruit profile while maintaining balance.
Tannins are fine-grained and unobtrusive, supporting a bright structural framework that lends clarity and poise.
The finish is clean and persistent, marked by freshness rather than weight, making this a versatile companion to dishes such as roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or semi-hard cheeses. — a month ago
Sipping Fine Wine
Bright lemon color with aromas of tropical, stone and citrus fruits with flinty notes. On the palate flavors of apple, peach and lemon citrus wrapped in smooth spicy oak tones and honey notes. Long finish, lively acidity, ending with fruit, notes of flinty mineral and savory citrus character. Nice!
# — 3 days ago