Rutherford, Napa Valley

Quintessa

Rutherford Red Blend 2015

We had the 2013 back to back with the 2015 over Thanksgiving. While the 2013 is much better, the 2015 was no laggard. Lots of berries, casis, spices and earthy tobacco notes. A bit fruit forward but complex nonetheless. Big thumbs up — 6 days ago

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.
— 22 days ago

Bob, Matt and 3 others liked this

Hall Wines

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Needed some time in the decanter — 5 days ago

Paul, Tom and 4 others liked this

Heitz Cellar

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Don’t drink a ton of Napa cab but it’s nice to have a nice one made in a somewhat more restrained style. 13.5%. Definitely young, the air helps - would wait several years or give a big decant. But even without a ton of that still very good with deep berry fruit, oaky dusty tannins that are relatively balanced. Great acid on the long finish. Excellent pairing with steaks and lamb chops at Sammy’s Ye Olde Cider Mill. — a day ago

Zach, Dave and 8 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. — 8 days ago

Somm, Shay and 29 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! 🍷

Joseph Phelps Vineyards

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

Somm David T
9.4

These are so good 15 yrs plus. In fact, insanely given the price point.

Again, a touch of bandaid on the nose that doesn’t affect the palate.

Grainy, fine M+ tannins.

It is rich, lush, ripe; blackberries, plum, dark cherries, raspberry hues & hints of strawberries & blueberries. Berry cola/licorice, mocha, caramel, black licorice, soft, layered baking spices, espresso, oak barrel powder, black tea, tobacco w/ ash, used/soft leather, excellent, soft, dark spices, melted dark chocolate to pudding, crushed rocks powder, dry rock, limestone/sandstone, some dry twig, candied dark, red flowers framed in violets with lavender hints, rainfall acidity, balance for days, nicely structured/tensioned, elegant & smart polish that lasts minutes and falls on fine grain minerals & dry top soil.
— 21 days ago

Rob, David and 15 others liked this
Paul T HB

Paul T HB

New bandaid or used?

Continuum

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2012

Paul J
9.1

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Overrated and overpriced. 1+hr decant, probably needed more. Very hot nose with plums. Massive tannins and hits the palate like a razor blade. Earthy with plums and prunes. Not my style. Medium depth and finish.

Anyone want my last bottle?
— 8 days ago

Brooke Weaver Jakubowski
with Brooke
Tom, Tom and 6 others liked this
Shay A

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@Paul J : Just checked my CT notes and I opened this ‘12 almost two years ago and it was corked. Was hoping I could give you some hope but my only experience was flawed!
Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego Premium Badge

Yeah, the Continuum's always run lean and spicy. Like zero percent body fat. Nothing to grasp...a sheer red/Cabernet cliff that few can climb.
Ron R

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My experience with this wine was the complete opposite. I have a few 07’s kicking around and they were plush and dense when I last took a look…

Caymus Vineyards

Special Selection Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1995

Music ‘n Magnum tasting.
🎶Guus Meeuwis & Vagant - Het is een nacht (Levensecht)
— 5 days ago

Freek, Peter and 7 others 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! — 22 days ago

Rob, Juan and 6 others liked this

Caymus Vineyards

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Hate to be a typical wine drinker, but there was a smooth and velvety taste with a continuous bite at the end. Completely coats the tongue with flavor from start to finish. — 6 days ago

Dave and Robin liked this