Medium ruby garnet , narrow garnet rim . Quite deep spicy tobacco , cassis , redcurrant , grafite , smoky herbal notes on the nose. On the palate this is quite restrained and elegant , with a mix of red and dark fruits , cassis , blueberry , red currant , touch of menthol also . Good refreshing acidity and slightly gritty tannins , good length with grafite and tobacco stained finish . This is showing well and is probably at peak at the moment , no rush as it will stay here for another 8-10 years or so . — a year ago
Old school Bordeaux with 12% ABV (if that). Still has surprising acidity/brightness and plenty of life left. Hits you with red cherry, black currant, black plum, mint, herbal, mushroom, earth, forest floor, tobacco, cedar, chocolate. Crazy long finish — 6 years ago
Black currant, espresso and cassis. — 8 years 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. — 6 months ago
Not our favorite vintage. Classical claret with lots of finesse, cedar wood, black currant, anise spice, tobacco. Medium bodied with these bold tannins of the year. But with a very light hand and light extraction, this got to be one of the better bottles we had from this highly overrated vintage. Good stuff but will be better with 5 more years in bottle. Like a 1995 but better done. — 9 months ago
This was a great surprise at first tight and closed in but with an hour of air opened into classic Pauilliac beauty. Cigar box nose deep juicy currant flavors and endless finish. Fourty years old and an average vintage - WOW — 6 years ago
Lots of vanilla, black currant and cherry. Dry on the finish. — 6 years ago
In the name of research, a quick test to mark this young Super Tuscsan. I must say the first sip after decant is promising. I believe in time, this will be a great Tig that will show well. Nice dark currant with hint of smoke. Will lay the others down 5-7 more years. — 7 years ago
Delicate nose with dry red fruit, hint of cedar and mineral. Red currant, dark raspberry or boysenberry, cranberry, light granite mineral, smooth tannin remains but in balance with all other elements. — 8 years ago
Medium ruby , quite light garnet rim . Lightly herbal on the nose , with grafite , cool cassis , some redcurrant , red plum and violet . On the palate quite spicy and more red fruited , red currant , light cassis , red plum , grafite and tobacco touches . Fresh acidity and medium grippy tannin , with a grafite , cool redcurrant , light cassis finish of reasonable length . Quite light in style , a little green , rustic but refreshing and enjoyable. Don’t see this being particularly long lived but drink from now and over the next 10 plus years . — 7 months ago
Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (72%), Merlot (19%), Cabernet Franc (6%) and Petite Verdot (3%). Dark garnet/ruby/purple/black color. Aromas of ripe black fruit, rose petals, cigar box and smoked meat. Flavors of blackberry, black currant and black plum fruit with additional hints of tobacco, black olives and cloves. Long lasting velvety finish. Full bodied with noticeable (but well integrated) tannins. Beautiful freshness. Rich and powerful but so well balanced. Consistently outstanding vintage after vintage. Could continue to age for decades! — 8 months ago
v14. Very good! Soft cedar nose. Juicy black currant fruit. Long, chalky, slightly dried herbal and mocha finish. — 10 months ago
So delish! Beautiful and holding strong with notes of blackberry, black currant, clove, star anise, licorice, dried orange peel, black olive, potpourri, tobacco, leather, earth, cured meat, pencil shavings, graphite, spice box, forest floor. Complex and balanced with a long, elegant finish. — a year ago


An early evening HH at home with a fabulous Bordeaux wine. Color is a dark brown especially on the edges Red fruit and dark plum with a subtle barnyard lingering on the nose. Tastes of black fruit, currant and leather with earthy and smoky flavors and a sweet finish; tannins are mild and drinks smoothly. — 7 years ago
Fab GPL reaching peak drinking window @ £75-£90 always a lovely wine 👍
📍 Chateau Grand-Puy-Lacoste 2001
🏵 92-93 points
🍇 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot & 2% Cabernet Franc
🍷 Deep alight garnet ruby w/ brick edge
👃 Heady smokey oak through black currant & berry loaded with minerals, pencil lead & flint stone w/ dark plum, red berry, leather & damp cellar
👄 Med body of smooth touch dry mineral infused black berry fruits w/ a touch of red berry & cocoa
🎯 Long slight dry black fruit mineral bomb w/ a mocha liquorice kick — 8 years ago
Ron Siegel
Like most 05’s they are starting to drink well. This was open showing mostly black fruit, currant, cassis, cedar-menthol note with leather & tobacco — 5 months ago