Freddy R. Troya

9.6

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. — 4 days ago

Dawn E.

9.1

Light copper color, fine bubbles, aromatic apple pie, brioche buns, creamy vanilla custard, lemon pudding, slate, and mild cheese rind! Wow! Taste buds must be clicking! This is much better than my last few bottles of this! Once again, I do not drink this if my glass looks cold! — 2 months ago

Jeremiah Diaz

9.2

Clear, medium to pale ruby in color; on the nose, it's clean with medium intensity primary and secondary aromas of raspberries, dried herbs, and hibiscus; on the palate, it's dry with medium acidity, medium tannins, high alcohol, medium body, and pronounced intensity primary and secondary flavors of blackberries, dried cranberries, cinnamon, and black cardamom with a long finish. This wine is s little bitter at first, but complex and intense. Overall, I rate this wine as very good. — a day ago

with Nellie

Steve Somermeyer

9.0

Nice nose with spice mixed with fruit notes. Good acid on the palate but finishing with smooth malo notes. Excellent wine for under $10. — a month ago

Dan Hermann

9.0

Smooth and big. (JH) $23 at Costco. — 2 months ago

John Howard

Harvest production at Hirsch and Cobb Wineries

9.2

Another great vintage. — 3 months ago

David Walusis

9.0

Enjoying some fine wine while the ladies decorate for Christmas 🎅 — a day ago

Dennis Maurer

9.4

Delicious for the price. Fruity and dry — 24 days ago

Sheena Kwon

9.3

Such a great price for a nice smooth table wine. — 2 months ago

Vasanth Balakrishnan

8.9

Perhaps it was a mistake to drink this after a glass of the KS Barolo but seemed a bit overweight and lacking in acidity without the layers of complexity I expect in a #chateauneufdepape. It may have come down to insufficient time to aerate. — 3 months ago