Tom Garland

9.5

Mondavi wine dinner with:
Carlo Mondavi of RAEN
Tim Mondavi of Continuum
Chiara Mondavi of Sentium

WINES
2022 Sentium sav blanc
2018 RAEN Charles Ranch chard
2023 RAEN lady Marjorie chard
2015 RAEN homefield pinot
2023 RAEN seafield pinot
2014 RAEN Bodega pinot
2023 RAEN Bodega pinot
1991 Robert Mondavi reserve cab..YUM!!!
1980 Opus One  (2nd vintage!!!!!!)
2013 Continuum cab
2022 Continuum cab
1968 Madeira, Portugal Boal

FOOD
Sea scallop
Lobster thermidor with wild fennel
Liberty duck
Fresh shelling beans..baked beans in a can for the Mondavi reserve and Opus. Fun
Coal roasted A5 wagyu beef
Medjool date — 18 days ago

with Brenda

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! — 5 days ago

Paul T HB

9.6

4 hour Decant with a Wagyu Tomahawk Ribeye sprinkled with Lipitor — 5 days ago

Rick Phillips

9.3

Like all young Caymus, heavy Oak on the front. Mellowed some after about 30 min! — 17 days ago

with Letha

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. — 5 days ago

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! — 4 days ago

Eric Zimmerman

9.2

Aidan’s 21st bday. amazing bottle of OPUS ONE — 7 days ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

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. — 3 days ago

Jason Phillips

9.4

Deep ruby color. Red fruit, black currant, and cedar on the nose. Dry and bold. Flavors of blackberrt, chocolate, oak, and coffee. Medium+ tannins and acid with a great finish. Number 2 in top 100 in Wine Spectator. — a month 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. — 11 days ago