Codorniu Napa
Silver Oak
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
From a 5 Bordeaux grape blend: 81.6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14.8% Merlot, 1.8% Petit Verdot, 1.4% Cabernet Franc & 0.4% Malbec, aged 24 months French oak, 85% new. Deep Ruby with aromas of dark fruits, floral and toasty spice. On the palate flavors of blackberry, cherry and plump blueberries with notes of herbs, baking spice and toasty notes. Fine soft tannins, long finish ending with cacao, toasty oak, fruit and earthy mineral tang. Very nice, aging well, but time will reward! — a month ago
Joseph Phelps Vineyards
Insignia Estate Grown Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2018
Corison
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1997
Double decant and pour(lots of sediment). A splendid medium ruby red color. On the nose: a little stewed red fruit, herbaceous, worn leather, mint, sweet smokey oak, loamy soil. Taste: smooth, elegant, savory wine with a touch of dried red fruit, dried herbs, cocoa, damp earth, minerals, and a spiced iron/meaty medium finish. YUM! Mature and on the long downside, but still drinks nicely at 28 years. — 4 months ago
Caymus Vineyards
40th Anniversary Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Smooth and rich with a great finish. — 9 years ago
Joseph Phelps Vineyards
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
These are so good 15 yrs plus. In fact, insanely given the price point.
Again, a touch of bandaid on the nose that doesn’t affect the palate.
Grainy, fine M+ tannins.
It is rich, lush, ripe; blackberries, plum, dark cherries, raspberry hues & hints of strawberries & blueberries. Berry cola/licorice, mocha, caramel, black licorice, soft, layered baking spices, espresso, oak barrel powder, black tea, tobacco w/ ash, used/soft leather, excellent, soft, dark spices, melted dark chocolate to pudding, crushed rocks powder, dry rock, limestone/sandstone, some dry twig, candied dark, red flowers framed in violets with lavender hints, rainfall acidity, balance for days, nicely structured/tensioned, elegant & smart polish that lasts minutes and falls on fine grain minerals & dry top soil. — a month ago
Stags' Leap Winery
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Delicious, easy drinking with a nice after taste — 4 months ago
Beaulieu Vineyard
Private Reserve Georges de Latour Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1994
Dried red fruits, baking spices, cedar, Price Albert tobacco, coco nibs, stewed tomato and leather. Maintains good acidity with softened tannins. A bit past its prime but still drinking well.
Perfect wine for watching the Las Vegas Grand Prix! — a month ago
Chateau Montelena
The Montelena Estate Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Just hitting its stride. Rich nose, lush black cherries on the palate, silky tannins. Still has a long time left. — 2 months ago
Groth Vineyards & Winery
Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
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. — 4 months ago
Roots Run Deep Winery
Educated Guess Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Pleasant aroma, fruity on the tongue with a dry finish. — 6 years ago
Freddy R. Troya
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. — a month ago