Cabernet Franc

Olga Raffault

Les Picasses Chinon Cabernet Franc 2007

Stunning bottle - showed really well after 3 hours or so. Maturing, integrated tannin, structured, a nose you wanna swim in… — 7 days ago

Alsu Shakirova
with Alsu
Dave, Brian and 11 others liked this
Peter van den Besselaar

Peter van den Besselaar Influencer Badge

‘You wanna swim in’ 👌🤭

Chappellet

Signature Donn Chappellet Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

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.
— 17 days ago

Bob, Matt and 3 others liked this

Dominus Estate

Dominus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2018

Missed trying one last year, definitely opening up earlier than my previous bottles. 2 hour decant with a NY Strip. — 3 days ago

Somm, Shay and 24 others liked this
Somm David T

Somm David T Influencer Badge

I do love the style of the 18 Napa Cabernet vintage.
Somm David T

Somm David T Influencer Badge

@Rob Brobst III It is a pedigree estate & winemaking team. Further for me, the style of the vintage w/ really with well made Napa Cabernets are dead center of my style wheelhouse. Round & elegant. Cheers! 🍷

Château Lynch-Bages

Grand Cru Classé Pauillac Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 1981

It probably would have been better a few years ago, but still a good drink. Still some tannins, but they went away as it had time to breathe — 14 days ago

Rob and Ira liked this

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! — 17 days ago

Rob, Juan and 6 others liked this

Shafer Vineyards

Hillside Select Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

We had to the 2019 Vintage on 11/22/25. A very good full bodied wine. The bouquet and flavor profile are darker and more subdued fruit compared to a Napa floor wine. There is some mocha and minerality. This wine would be better in five years. — 6 days ago

Bob, Serge and 3 others liked this