Turkey Day in the Dells. Some deer hunting to boot. — a month ago
Just hitting its stride. Rich nose, lush black cherries on the palate, silky tannins. Still has a long time left. — 2 months ago
Needs a lot more time! — 2 months ago
Could be a 9.2 but I had it at a steakhouse and the Cali Cab - Filet combo makes all’s those wines taste better. Even without the 2+2=5 taste combo was still smooth, darkly fruited, and great. — 5 months ago
$21 at Walmart of all places: inky dense rich - needed 2 hrs to unfurl to show complexity that is PS: coffee & tobacco, licorice and oh so peppery, herbs, and all manner of red & black fruit + cassis & vanilla. luscious dense plenty of stuffing, polished & suave on mid palate leading to lingering finish. still plenty of life ahead, definitely felt ABV tho — a month ago

Chappellet – Signature Cabernet Sauvignon – 2022 🇺🇸
Pritchard Hill (Mountain Fruit) – Napa Valley AVA – California, USA
Overview
A cornerstone of Chappellet for over three decades, the Signature Cabernet Sauvignon continues to define what Napa Valley mountain Cabernet is all about: power, elegance, and longevity.
The 2022 vintage carries a subtly adjusted blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot, 7% Malbec, 2% Merlot, featuring a touch more Cabernet Sauvignon and slightly less Petit Verdot and Malbec compared to the 2021 (see my v2021 notes).
This shift gives the 2022 an extra dimension of muscle and purity, heightening its mountain-driven character.
Aromas & Flavors
Undeniably dark and expressive. Notes of blackcurrant, dark cherry, plum, and cassis rise first, followed by cedar, sage, aged tobacco, thyme, and beautifully integrated toasted oak.
As it opens, deeper nuances emerge, espresso bean, cocoa, graphite, and subtle mountain herbs.
Mouthfeel
Full-bodied and impeccably structured.
The increase in Cabernet Sauvignon amplifies its power and linearity, while polished tannins deliver a glowing richness across the palate.
Flavors of black cherry, currant, chocolate, espresso, and warm spice saturate the mid-palate. The finish is long, confident, and built for aging.
Food Pairings
Prime rib, grilled ribeye, lamb with rosemary, venison, black-truffle dishes, or aged gouda/cheddar.
Verdict
A formidable yet seductively elegant expression of Pritchard Hill. The 2022 is slightly more commanding than the 2021, with enhanced Cabernet purity and structural depth. A true benchmark in Napa’s hillside Cabernets, age-worthy, expressive, and unmistakably Chappellet. Cheers!
Did You Know?
Pritchard Hill’s volcanic, iron-rich soils and elevation create Cabernets known for density, refinement, and remarkable longevity, which is why so many iconic Napa producers source or plant here.
🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
Among my personal favorites in the mountain Cabernet category. The 2022 delivers that unmistakable “whoa” moment, especially when shared with friends and family. — 2 months ago
The best Merlot in my honest opinion. Coming from a Cab guy. — 3 months ago
Drinking very well now. Really enjoyed it. — 3 months ago
Pleasant aroma, fruity on the tongue with a dry finish. — 6 years ago
Lemon yellow with green Chalk. Citrus peach. Mango. Pineapple. Vanilla. Rich. Buttery. Herb. Honeysuckle. From cool. Without MLF Elegant. From Calistoga.
Fruitiness M+ Sweetness M+ Acidity M++ Bitterness M+ Body M Finish M 13.8%
Fresh Dry Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay 22 @17600, AD, 251210 — a month ago
Excellent special wine, paired with classic steakhouse fare. — 12 days ago
One of my favorite cabs. Wonderfully balanced complexity, silky mouth feel, a bit chewy with a delightful finish. Put it up for a couple of years if you can wait. — 19 days ago
Fancy bottle. This was a gift from my friend given for me to try as a long aged wine she loved. Still has a dark color 11 years on. Aromas are perfumed and musky. Has a bit of berry. Bit of fancy soap or shampoo. Wet stone. Flavors are full and ripe. Juicy couture. Plenty of flinty and soil to go with the deep caisis and olive. This is balanced yet big. A Napa gem for sure. Lovely Cab. — 25 days ago
Lou and Sarah — 3 months ago
Smooth and rich with a great finish. — 9 years ago
Jerry Raphael
Well, here we are two years later, back at the same BYOB for New Year’s Eve with the same wine. I figured 35 years was enough—it was time to drink it.
Same treatment as in 2024: opened and decanted, then poured about two hours later. This time the nose offered noticeably more—cedar, a touch of vegetal character, and dark berries. On the palate, dark berries again took the lead. The finish was good, but at the very end it seemed to stop just a bit short but still giving it a 95. At Anthony’s — 5 days ago