2018 Chappellet, Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

Chappellet Vineyard is a family-owned estate located on the rugged slopes of Pritchard Hill, where Donn and Molly Chappellet first pioneered high-elevation viticulture in 1967. The vines are planted in rocky, volcanic soils above the fog line, which helps concentrate the flavors in this wine, made from 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot. In the glass, it shows deep notes of cassis, black cherry, and pencil lead, balanced by a firm, mineral-laced structure and fine-grained tannins. The 2018 vintage provided a long, temperate growing season, resulting in exceptional fruit purity and a measured, steady development of character. This is a structured wine with significant aging potential, though it offers a seamless and rewarding experience for those who choose to enjoy it now.