Chappellet
Signature Donn Chappellet Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California, USA
2021 vintage. Classic Napa Cab without all the current bells and whistles. Eye on the prize. Medium body with balanced bouquet and shows across the entire palate. It’s Cabernet like this that built Napa into the 800 lb gorilla that it is. 79% Cab, 8% PV, 7% Malbec, 6% Merlot. 4.3.24.
2021 vintage. Classic Napa Cab without all the current bells and whistles. Eye on the prize. Medium body with balanced bouquet and shows across the entire palate. It’s Cabernet like this that built Napa into the 800 lb gorilla that it is. 79% Cab, 8% PV, 7% Malbec, 6% Merlot. 4.3.24.
1 person found it helpfulApr 3rd, 2024Deep oak, violet, and blueberry with a full rich feeling.
Deep oak, violet, and blueberry with a full rich feeling.
Jun 29th, 2025
Chappellet – Signature Cabernet Sauvignon – 2021 🇺🇸
Pritchard Hill – Napa Valley AVA – California, USA
Overview
A beautifully balanced, Bordeaux-inspired mountain Cabernet from one of Napa Valley’s most respected hillside estates.
The 2021 blend shows slightly more varietal diversity than the 2022, with a composition of: 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 7% Malbec, 6% Merlot.
This creates a wine that leans toward roundness, polish, and aromatic complexity, while still showcasing the powerful structure Pritchard Hill is known for.
Aromas & Flavors
Deep and concentrated, offering layers of blackberry, cassis, dark cherry, and wild mountain herbs.
Subtle undertones of clove, graphite, cocoa nib, espresso, and warm baking spice rise with air.
Beautifully expressive with that signature Chappellet purity.
Mouthfeel
Full-bodied yet impressively balanced.
The slightly higher percentage of Malbec and Merlot gives the 2021 a plusher mid-palate and more rounded tannins compared to the 2022 vintage.
The finish is silky, persistent, and coated with lingering notes of cacao, espresso, and black fruit.
Food Pairings
Herb-roasted lamb, braised short ribs, ribeye with thyme butter, porcini dishes, or aged Manchego.
Verdict
A true gem from Pritchard Hill. Elegant, concentrated, and wonderfully proportioned, the 2021 stands as one of the most harmonious expressions of Signature Cabernet in recent years. A wine that balances power, finesse, and aromatic depth with remarkable ease. Cheers!
Did You Know?
Chappellet was one of the early pioneers of high-elevation Napa Cabernet, developing Pritchard Hill long before the area became a coveted source for collectible hillside wines.
🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
The 2021 holds a special place, refined, complete, and aromatically irresistible. A vintage that shows Chappellet’s mastery at its most elegant.
Chappellet – Signature Cabernet Sauvignon – 2021 🇺🇸
Pritchard Hill – Napa Valley AVA – California, USA
Overview
A beautifully balanced, Bordeaux-inspired mountain Cabernet from one of Napa Valley’s most respected hillside estates.
The 2021 blend shows slightly more varietal diversity than the 2022, with a composition of: 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 7% Malbec, 6% Merlot.
This creates a wine that leans toward roundness, polish, and aromatic complexity, while still showcasing the powerful structure Pritchard Hill is known for.
Aromas & Flavors
Deep and concentrated, offering layers of blackberry, cassis, dark cherry, and wild mountain herbs.
Subtle undertones of clove, graphite, cocoa nib, espresso, and warm baking spice rise with air.
Beautifully expressive with that signature Chappellet purity.
Mouthfeel
Full-bodied yet impressively balanced.
The slightly higher percentage of Malbec and Merlot gives the 2021 a plusher mid-palate and more rounded tannins compared to the 2022 vintage.
The finish is silky, persistent, and coated with lingering notes of cacao, espresso, and black fruit.
Food Pairings
Herb-roasted lamb, braised short ribs, ribeye with thyme butter, porcini dishes, or aged Manchego.
Verdict
A true gem from Pritchard Hill. Elegant, concentrated, and wonderfully proportioned, the 2021 stands as one of the most harmonious expressions of Signature Cabernet in recent years. A wine that balances power, finesse, and aromatic depth with remarkable ease. Cheers!
Did You Know?
Chappellet was one of the early pioneers of high-elevation Napa Cabernet, developing Pritchard Hill long before the area became a coveted source for collectible hillside wines.
🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
The 2021 holds a special place, refined, complete, and aromatically irresistible. A vintage that shows Chappellet’s mastery at its most elegant.
2021 vintage. Last tasted 4.3.24 (9.4). Medium/medium-heavy body. Über-dark color. Some good graphite and went through the motions but approx 10 degrees too warm. Critical structure in absentia due to said warmth. Still pretty nice. 7.23.24.
2021 vintage. Last tasted 4.3.24 (9.4). Medium/medium-heavy body. Über-dark color. Some good graphite and went through the motions but approx 10 degrees too warm. Critical structure in absentia due to said warmth. Still pretty nice. 7.23.24.
Jul 23rd, 2024Blueberry and earthy oak with a touch of pepper. Rich but still tight.
Blueberry and earthy oak with a touch of pepper. Rich but still tight.
Jul 6th, 2024
3rd wine of BYOB blind. Unfortunately too young to enjoy. Like chewing on oak.
3rd wine of BYOB blind. Unfortunately too young to enjoy. Like chewing on oak.
Jan 20th, 2024