Freddy R. Troya

9.3

Chapellet Mountain Cuvée Proprietor’s Blend 2023
Pritchard Hill, Napa Valley, California – USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A vibrant Bordeaux-style blend from Chapellet, a pioneering family-owned estate high on Pritchard Hill since 1967. Known for its rocky, elevated vineyards and bold mountain-grown fruit, Chapellet crafts this approachable yet terroir-rich blend for both immediate enjoyment and graceful aging.

Blend Composition
• 51% Cabernet Sauvignon
• 24% Merlot
• 10% Petit Verdot
• 8% Malbec
• 7% Cabernet Franc 

Aromas & Flavors
Effusively aromatic with dark cherries, blackberries, and plums, framed by spicy oak notes of clove, cardamom, cedar, plus touches of black pepper and savory herbs. The palate mirrors this with plush ripe berry layers, framed by fine-grained tannins, and finishes with lingering dark chocolate and anise.  

Mouthfeel
Medium to full-bodied with a luxuriously textured core. The fine-grained tannins wrap the fruit beautifully, balanced by inherent freshness—creating a long, silky, and satisfying finish.  

Winemaking Notes
Crafted under the guidance of Winemaker Phillip Corallo-Titus, the 2023 vintage benefitted from a cool growing season and carefully managed canopy work to preserve freshness and reduce yields. Fermented and aged to deliver immediate appeal without compromising structure. 

Food Pairing
A versatile pairing wine—ideal with grilled ribeye, slow-braised short ribs, or herbed lamb chops. It also complements rich pasta sauces and grilled mushrooms—luxurious yet approachable.

Verdict
Mountain Cuvée 2023 is a powerful yet elegant Napa blend, showcasing depth, freshness, and mountain intensity. It’s a beautifully balanced wine that offers a compelling mix of immediate pleasure and layered complexity. A benchmark for mountain-grown Bordeaux blends. — a day ago

Richard Baum

9.5

Tried at James Suckling — 3 months ago

Paul J

9.4

I’m not a big Pinot fan or drinker, but this was very nice! Dark fruit with earth and integrated sweetness. Medium plus depth. — a month ago

with Geoff

Michael Chelus

9.1

Cherry, raspberry, cassis, blackberry, vanilla, mossy earth and oak. Full-bodied and moderate tannins. — a month ago

Richard Baum

9.5

Tried at James Suckling — 3 months ago

Andrea Watt

8.9

Light and fresh with lemon, honeydew melon, and slate. — 4 months ago

Will Bean

9.5

Wow. Still a bit young to open, but spectacular after a couple hour decant. — a month ago

Jim Stehli

9.3

Crisp and clean. Pear and nice acidity. Definitely feel the ☀️. This is a perfect glass. — a month ago

Andrea Watt

9.1

Slate, saline, citrus, and melon. Crisp and bright. — 2 months ago

Andrea Watt

9.1

Clear purple tinted burgundy color with notes of cedar, cherry, and baking spice. — 4 months ago