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

Rick Phillips

9.3

Like all young Caymus, heavy Oak on the front. Mellowed some after about 30 min! — 16 days ago

with Letha

Kelley Raymond

9.2

Needs a bit more aging but a great drinker - more like patio wine — 6 hours ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.5

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! — 4 days ago

Steve Mitchell

9.3

Medium tannins, velvet finish on the palate, complex.
Paired perfectly with a top sirloin , smashed potatoes and salad. — 15 days ago

Paul T HB

9.6

4 hour Decant with a Wagyu Tomahawk Ribeye sprinkled with Lipitor — 4 days ago

Anthony De Blasi

9.4

Cannot go wrong with this winery…Still quite young for a bottle of 15 years old — 8 days ago

Oscar Rosales

9.2

Always Great cab — 9 days ago

with Celia

Gage Orion

9.4

First batch of 2021 vintage we’ve tried. We’ve been drinking a few bottles yearly since the 2015 vintage. It just never disappoint and this year is no different. Black berry, some chocolate notes, and a smooth tannin finish. I love this stuff! — 3 days ago

Paul T HB

9.6

Free orchid samples for my stores, Heitz not free.
But so worth it. These need 15-20 years to live up to the name. — 10 days ago