Nose:
Palate : tight. Cherries.
Needs 5 years.
11.9% — a year ago
Nose has ripe plum, cedar shavings, dried blackberry, over-ripe black cherry, crushed black currant, menthol syrup and dried violets.
Palate has dried black currant, moist soil, cedar shavings, moist cigar, ripe blackberry, dried black cherry, rose hip tea with light tannins.
A beautiful cork, almost no soak; pulled clean with a standard screw. This is really in the zone tonight after a 6H decant. Drink 2022-2028 from proper storage.
Paired to Allen Bros USDA Prime Hanger with Dijon/Rosemary/Garlic/Lemon Zest marinade. Grilled to great 130° centers, 10m rise/rest to absolute perfection.
(I was honestly fighting with two cats to eat dinner tonight.) — 4 years ago
Still young, but this one will go far. I bet this beautiful wine will rise further as it matures. Just stunningly beautiful! — 7 years ago
If you haven’t explored Washington wines, you need to visit Walla Walla. They are making incredible wines that compete with any region in the world without exploiting your wallet. Their prices will rise in time as the demand grows but, for now, they are outstanding wines at reasonable prices.
One of their best producers is Long Shadows. Gilles Nicault is their talented Wine Director who is a French transplant. He works with several consultants who all work on one wine each. World famous; Michel Rolland, Randy Dunn and JohnDuvall who made Penfold’s for 29 years.
I paired their Riesling with my grilled pork chop; which is largely based on the recipe from Mustards Restaurant in Napa Valley. 14 ingredients go into the two day marinade. It is perhaps one of the best food & wine parings I’ve had.
Photos of, the outside fire at Long Shadows, their beautiful tasting room with lots of hand blown glass the grilled pork chop, rosemary potatoes and grilled zucchini from our garden. — 8 years ago

Blend of 58% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Franc, deep Ruby red color with aromas of dark fruits, herbs and sweet spice. On the palate flavors of black cherry, blackberry and plum with vanilla, spice and herbs. Fine soft tannins, long finish ending with fruit, spice and slight earthy mineral tones. — 3 months ago
Excellent cab! Big and jammy — a year ago
2020 vintage. A blend of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot and equal parts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Basile Tesseron has done a great job at this Cru Classé and this 2020 is the best I have ever tasted. Blackberries, cassis and flowers. Juicy and focused, with lots of charm in a solid ripe tannic structure. Lovely finish with retronasal black fruit and minerality.Abv. 13,5%. As the estate was bought by the Lorenzetti family (Pédesclaux) I expect the quality to rise further in the future, so this is definitely an estate to watch. — 4 years ago
Such value ! Lemon , grapefruit , with good length — 5 years ago
Delicious and easy to drink red. I get notes of cola and cherry. Paired very well with Neapolitan pizza — 6 years ago
Black currants, green apple, unripened apricots, red cabbage, with an earthy mineral finish. Very approachable! — 7 years ago
Surprisingly solid Cabernet for the money! — 7 months 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. — 7 months ago
Easy drinking Sauv Blanc — 5 years ago
Notes of plum, blackberry, cedar, deepened on the palate with rich full polished structure and elegantly balanced tannins. Both dark and vibrant at once. — 6 years ago


John W
Deep ruby coloration. On the nose, bell pepper, forest floor, herbs, and dark cherry. On the palate, blueberry, dark berry, cassis, pepper, spice, toasted oak, vanilla, chocolate, and a long finish. Full bodied, rich and balanced. — 23 days ago