Recently, I had the privilege of touring Chappellet winery and indulging in their Signature Cabernet Sauvignon Retrospective Tour and Tasting. It was a two hour experience that took us through Chappellet’s state-of-the-art Barrel Chai, followed by a seated library tasting. The wines were accompanied by a delightful board of artisan cheeses, nuts, and dried fruit.
Often referred to as “Napa’s Grand Cru,” Pritchard Hill has been shaped by the forces of nature over millions of years. The winery’s commitment to high-elevation hillside planting, perched between 800 and 1,800 feet above sea level produces grapes of rare depth, longevity, and elegance.
Beyond their famed Cabernet Sauvignon, Chappellet’s diverse portfolio includes exceptional Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. In 2019, the Chappellet family unveiled their Grower Collection, which focuses on cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the finest Sonoma County vineyards.
The Chenin Blanc, with its roots dating back to the late 1960s, has a rich history on Pritchard Hill. The 2022 Chenin Blanc is fermented in a combination of neutral French oak barrels and stainless steel tanks. It captivates the senses with refreshing notes of orange blossom, guava, and Fuji apple, underscored by a crisp acidity and a long, elegant finish.
The exploration of Chappellet’s wines continued with the 2021 Grower Collection Chardonnay, sourced from the windswept vineyards of the Sangiacomo family in Sonoma’s Carneros region. This Chardonnay features beautiful layers of stone fruits and citrus, complemented by French oak-inspired notes of vanilla and spice.
Following a tour of the winery and vineyards we were seated for Chappellet’s Signature Cabernet Sauvignon Retrospective. It’s not just a tasting; it is a journey through time and terroir, a celebration of the Chappellet family’s dedication to crafting wines that reflect the essence of Pritchard Hill.
The first red wine we sipped was the 2021 Malbec. It captivated my senses with flavors of berry pie intertwined with hints of dark chocolate and spice.
The 2020 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon followed. This is the foundational wine that has defined Chappellet for over five decades. It’s luxuriously dark, concentrated, and has a long finish. This Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits aromas of black cherry, dark plum, roasted coffee, and bittersweet chocolate, with vibrant notes of clove, fresh herbs, and baking spices.
Lastly, we had Chappellet’s 2018 Altimeter, sourced from the renowned Atlas Peak. It’s a wine that seamlessly marries the intensity of mountain fruit with the nuanced expression of its unique mountainous origin.
Each bottle of Chappellet wine reflects not just the grapes’ journey from vine to glass but also the dedication to preserving the land and crafting wines that tell a story of time, tradition, and the enduring beauty of Pritchard Hill. Chappellet is more than a winery; it is a living testament to the artistry and passion that define world-class winemaking.
