Mason opened the '09 so that I could directly compare the signature that has aged for 10 years. This wine had beautiful dark fruit notes, well balanced by the wood and spice notes, that merged with the tertiary notes of spice, loam and cigar box. Just a yummy wine to savor!
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A great bottle of wine in a great spot in its evolution. Not giving much upon pulling the cork. The second glass at about 45-60 minutes was singing. Still has some fine grained tannins that play nicely with the blackberry, cassis, gravel and forrest floor notes. Great now and will be for another 5 years more.
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Dec 24, 2020 - Drank 2 bottles. Decanted 1.5. Extremely dark, almost black. Low sediment. Very constant, stready, fruit forward flavor. Not the deepest or most complex cab, but incredibly smooth and with pleasant nose and feel.
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Compared to a bottle I had five months ago, it has shed even more tannins. It's still delicious, but it's no longer a good match with rich or fatty foods (is there any other kind?). Still a helluva value. Too bad Donn died, since his kids appear to need a lot of cash. I'm guessing they need it to bribe his grandkids' way into USC or Stanford. Forgive my cynicsm, but recent vintages are no longer a bargain.
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Initially thin up front but strong and tasty mid & finish with mellow, smooth tannins. After 1-2 hrs open the front came around but the tannins indicate to me to drink now (agree with night train). Perhaps it just needed an hour or so to finish opening up. Kind of an unusual experience for me with Chappellet.
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Opened about an hour before tasting. Extremely dark, with no visible signs of age. Plums on the nose, along with a hint of forest floor. Dark cherries and a little plum on the palate. Fairly rich and an above-average finish. Eight months ago, I thought it was just entering its prime drinking window, but now I'm not sure. This bottle had minimal tannins by comparison, so now I'm thinking it's time to drink up. Having said that, the next bottle will probably be hard as nails. One of life's great mysteries.
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purple, medium full body aromas of cassis, Fading dark fruit flavors over powered by oak and earthiness with lingering decent tannins and acid and nice finish; drink with food asap
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Very similar to my previous note. Linear and flat with a muted nose and not mich showing on the palate. Probably past it’s prime and can’t see this improving.
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Pw/2 hour decant. Clear, deep purple/red. Nice proper nose. Med body, super clean, elegant, balanced, integrated w/med to long finish. Tannin's resolved but not over the top. Perfect drinking window. Delicious, great value $39. Nothing off.
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Been holding these for a while. Initial open showed promise, but after a good 30 the wine really flatlined. Dense ripe black and blues fruits with hints of evergeen, mountain forest and iron. Was definitely very flat and linear, a bit stewed. Probably waited too long so drink up.
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Decided it was finally time to try the '09. Opened (not decanted) about one hour before drinking. Extremely dark, almost black. Assertive nose - mostly plums with a hint of mint. Fairly rich with plums and black cherries. Beautifully balanced, with fine tannins and a better-than-average finish. Seems to be at the beginning of its prime drinking window.
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PnP / steak dinner with friends. I loved this wine. It's in a perfect place right now. Fruit and tannins all seamlessly entwined! Dark garnet color and fruit tasted delicious. Bummed that it was my last bottle from this vintage.
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This improved on the second night open. It shows a stunning perfume with blackberry, mulberry, eucalyptus, and mint. The palate is medium-full bodied, with luscious dark fruit, black tea, and lavender. It has a soft, silky texture and a finish that sticks with you. A beautiful wine that is drinking at its peak
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Such a terrific nose on this, reminiscent of warm summer fruits and fresh baked pastry. The palate is silky smooth, as are many ‘09s at this point. Medium-to-full bodied, open, and squarely in its drinking window.
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Saturated deep ruby. Ripe dark fruits, meat/game, smoke, tobacco, leather. Great nose was followed by a slightly disappointing palate that was medium body with sweet tannins, but seemed to be lacking energy and drive. This wine is good but on the cusp of flabby/stewed fruit.
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Best bottle yet, but still lacking in richness. I like lean wines, but this is still just a bit austere. Very dark fruits with earth and a hint of graphite, along with oak. Firm structure and a long finish.
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Darn, i hated these so much when young. Stopped buying them. But man this bottle was singing, no chemical trails that i get from their barrllles, totally gone on this bottle. Just delicious integrated wine. Balanced. Yum Yum Yum.
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Stylish and polished this resonates with lovely fruit purity and a genuine expression of place. Notes of black currants, cassis, blackberry cobbler, sous bois, and fancy oak are amplified by a hard candy edge and a hint of root beer. The palate stays true to its pedigree, showing integration, vibrancy, bottle age complexity, and the give and pull of its classic structure. Finishes with a savory note of Castelvetrano olives.
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Nose of dark fruit. Flsavors of unsweet currant and blueberry on the tongue. Then unsweetened chocolate. Licorice. Still some serious tannins may exaggerate those impressions.
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Opaque, but not super dense on palate. Black fruit, leather, hint of bramble. Long, teeth staining finish. Love Chappellet. Opened up after 1 hour. Drinking very well right now and has life to live.
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From a mag. Wine is in a good spot-drinking nicely. did decant for 30 min. Tannins mellowed and integrated with typical Chappellet fruit. Solid effort.
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Decanted for about an hour, but surprisingly, I still felt it was tight. Dark fruits, but not really very rich or ripe and with a somewhat firm structure and a slightly rustic character. I hope time will give it more richness, but I am starting to be skeptical.
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No nose, but with terrific, ripe, rich dark cherry and blackberry on the palate. Juicy, plush and with good depth and intensity. While it has good balance and nice acidy, I also thought it was rather simple and soft.
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Yup. 2009 was a great year for Chappellet Cabernet Sauvignon...if you still have a bottle laying around.... Drink it. Or let it sit some more I guess, if you have that much patience.
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Beautiful balance all around, with lots of pretty red fruit and touches of blueberry, currant, and even eucalyptus. Possesses a pure bead of acidity that cuts through on the palate and gentle but substantial tannins that contribute to a satisfying finish. Fantastic accompaniment to a prime rib dinner. Wonderful elegance and concentration. 93-94
Aroma of raspberry, rose pelal, cigar box and forest floor. there is a lot going on here. The tannins are still quite present. Still good balance of tannins and acid. Blackberry on the palate and brandy notes in the end. Full bodied with a very long finish. Could use a little more time in the bottle. Wonderful wine.
aromas of currant and black olive, still comes across a little tight. Black fruit and herb when tasted. Drying tannins on the finish, but it does not prevent the lingering fruit tones.
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Consistently one of my favorite Napa cabs under $50; A dense and concentrated palate of plums, currants and cherries with a silky texture; The oak treatment is noticeable, adding some toasty sweetness to the wine, but is well integrated; The tannins are definitely present and suggest this wine will improve with additional age; Hold or drink now with a lengthy decant
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Big nose of primary fruit aromas - mostly dark cherry with some blackberry and blueberry. Rich, lush and concentrated with a smooth, soft, medium body and an acidic bite on the medium finish. Very primary and young, and seems a bit one dimensional right now. Needs another couple of years to develop some complexity and character.
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This is really nice and although it's young and vibrant it is drinking well now. The previous note by "EBELENKY" is spot-on although I did not notice any hints of brown in the color. Excellent balance. Smooth. I will be looking for more of this wine.
Deep purple, beginning to show some brown on the edges. Notes of fresh herb and dark fruit, evolving into cigar box with a touch of vanilla after about 2 hours. Medium bodied with long finish. Classic Chappellet, better than the 05 in my mind.
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Big napa cab. Stood up to Pritchard hill pretty well. Blackberry & blueberry gave way to sandalwood on the nose. The initial taste was great. Big black fruit with loads up tannins. Gritty tannins that coated the palate nice long finish that really balanced it. out.
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Big bold napa cab. Supple tannins after decanting for an hour. Enough fruit to drink without red meat. Not surprising but a bit like Chap's higher end cabs crossed with the excellent Mountain Cuvée.
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Deep Garnet in color. Nose of black currants and cocoa. Flavors of currant, plum, cocoa and a bit of anise and mint. Extremely long finish. Well balanced, with firm, but not overpowering, tannins and not too heavy. Perhaps a bit tight, bit still pleasant. This could definitely improve with age, but is drinking nicely.
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Dark mountain fruit. Smoky blue/black fruit on the nose, some oak in there. NIce rich mouthfeel, not too heavy, some slightly tight fruit, dry tannins, some of that Chapp oak treatment. Minty, herby, tight still on day II. Some licorious and herbaceous lingering notes. Dry oak. Reasonable depth. Nice, young tight.
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Great nose, floral dark fruit, mocha. The wine seemed tight after 30 mins of decanting. Hot, heavy on the alcohol but began to open up in another 30. Took on the characteristics of a classic Napa Cab. Light to Medium body, some fruit with underlying spice components. I rate this relative to the price. Solid but not a screamer.
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One of their best efforts...has the delicious factor...really opens up quickly for a 09, after about a hour the wine starts to sing and it gets better and better with each glass. For the price, a great btl.
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After reading Spectator's recent piece describing how distinctive and expensive Cabs from Pritchard Hill are I thought it would be a good time to check in with this perennial favorite. The bottle I tasted from, as satisfying as it was, was somewhat non-distinct. I can't see my way to calling this one outstanding. Honig a better play in this vintage and it's more affordable.
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Dark fruit smooth tannins. Excellent mouthfeel with great balance. Will buy and drink more as this is still very, very young. Likely needs 2 years or more to show its best!
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The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Signature is another hit from the Chappellet family. This delivers plenty of ripe blackberries, plums with a mix of spice, floral, herbs and warm toasty notes. The wine displays balance and focus, and gets alot of structural support from the firm chewy tannins. (Drink 2013-2023)
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Light nail polish notes initially on the nose. Then, anise and cassis. Primary flavors of blackberry and cherry jam. Fair oak, big alcohol right now as well as strong acid and tannin. This will age it nicely, but it's pretty big up front. Decant. Very dry. Currant and creme de cassis throughout the palate. Rich and powerful cab.
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Honeymoon Wine Tasting; 6/25/2012-7/3/2012 (California - Napa & Sonoma Counties): Tasted at Winery. Ruby red in color, with aromas of cherry, bramble, and red fruit. The body is astringent and dry, lacking much fruit on the palate at this time. Set this one down for a few years and hope the tannins mellow and the fruit makes a stronger appearance. The finish is dominated by the tannins at this time.
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Full bodied with currant and blackberry fruit, no oak. Tannins are nicely integrated, best Chappellet since 2006. This one might score mixed reviews, definitely not for everyone.
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Decanted for over an hour. A violet-garnet, with a thin ruby rim. Cassis, sliced plum, white rose petals, candied cherry and earthy elements. There's ground coffee on the long finish; the tannins are polished and very evident. Purity of flavor and well-layered on all levels. She could really use a few more years and is quite structured. Rather goregeous. Drink 2014 - 2023.
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The best Signature Cabernet Sauvignon I have tasted from Chappellet. I am a fan of structure and depth and this wine certainly has it all...on the nose you get currants, black cherries, cassis, and cocoa and this is all backed up on the palate as well. We could go on with the complexity of flavours in this wine due to mountain growing, but just buy the wine and see for yourself what the oldest mountain fruit producer in California is doing with Cabernet grapes. The wine keeps going for 3-4 minutes so make sure you have time to savour this beauty!
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Tasted at the Wine House, Taste of Napa event. Was not the best Cab on display, but when you factored in price, this wine was by far the best QPR at the show. Good balance, good fruit and although you can drink it now with sufficient open time, this wine is very age worthy.
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Oh my...popped and poured with wife at home after work. Best Signature cab since 2006. Great fruit, tannins in check..... great mountain cab. Borderline fruit-bomb but drinking well now 2 weeks after delivery. I think 1-3 years will really let things integrate even more and increase my score. Will buy more and drink along the way.
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12/11/2023 - MichielV wrote: 91 Points
Super wine. Mashomack Christmas dinner
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2/20/2023 - drmarc61 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Mason opened the '09 so that I could directly compare the signature that has aged for 10 years. This wine had beautiful dark fruit notes, well balanced by the wood and spice notes, that merged with the tertiary notes of spice, loam and cigar box. Just a yummy wine to savor!
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1/21/2023 - Bethesda Paul wrote: 93 Points
Stunning wine. Wish I had more
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11/14/2022 - papabluez wrote: 94 Points
Amazing.....rich in full balance. Fruity & Savory!
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10/1/2022 - MLevin wrote: 89 Points
Blackberry core. Diminishing fruit and a touch hot on the back end. Enjoyable but toward the end of its evolution. Drink up.
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10/23/2021 - meatbomb013 Likes this wine: 94 Points
A great bottle of wine in a great spot in its evolution. Not giving much upon pulling the cork. The second glass at about 45-60 minutes was singing. Still has some fine grained tannins that play nicely with the blackberry, cassis, gravel and forrest floor notes. Great now and will be for another 5 years more.
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2/27/2021 - Gibbman Likes this wine: 92 Points
Drinking absolutely beautifully right now. I think it has a couple of years left.
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12/25/2020 - Validus Likes this wine: 93 Points
Dec 24, 2020 - Drank 2 bottles. Decanted 1.5. Extremely dark, almost black. Low sediment. Very constant, stready, fruit forward flavor. Not the deepest or most complex cab, but incredibly smooth and with pleasant nose and feel.
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12/17/2020 - ocfriday Likes this wine: 94 Points
Ummm, wow. Very well balanced, great fruit, mouthfeel, hits all the marks. At its peak maybe - too bad I have no more ...
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9/20/2020 - Night Train Likes this wine: 90 Points
Compared to a bottle I had five months ago, it has shed even more tannins. It's still delicious, but it's no longer a good match with rich or fatty foods (is there any other kind?). Still a helluva value. Too bad Donn died, since his kids appear to need a lot of cash. I'm guessing they need it to bribe his grandkids' way into USC or Stanford. Forgive my cynicsm, but recent vintages are no longer a bargain.
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8/16/2020 - LCHammer Likes this wine: 92 Points
Initially thin up front but strong and tasty mid & finish with mellow, smooth tannins. After 1-2 hrs open the front came around but the tannins indicate to me to drink now (agree with night train). Perhaps it just needed an hour or so to finish opening up. Kind of an unusual experience for me with Chappellet.
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6/26/2020 - agsdlswine wrote: 92 Points
Well made & aged Napa Cab.
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5/2/2020 - Night Train Likes this wine: 90 Points
Opened about an hour before tasting. Extremely dark, with no visible signs of age. Plums on the nose, along with a hint of forest floor. Dark cherries and a little plum on the palate. Fairly rich and an above-average finish. Eight months ago, I thought it was just entering its prime drinking window, but now I'm not sure. This bottle had minimal tannins by comparison, so now I'm thinking it's time to drink up. Having said that, the next bottle will probably be hard as nails. One of life's great mysteries.
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4/27/2020 - EdKz@comcast.net wrote: 88 Points
purple, medium full body aromas of cassis, Fading dark fruit flavors over powered by oak and earthiness with lingering decent tannins and acid and nice finish; drink with food asap
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4/19/2020 - Steven DiFiore wrote: 87 Points
Overrated.
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4/1/2020 - T.E.D. wrote: 87 Points
Very similar to my previous note. Linear and flat
with a muted nose and not mich showing on the palate. Probably past it’s prime and can’t see this improving.
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3/15/2020 - chesco01 wrote:
Melatonin w/Danielle.
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2/22/2020 - PSUSteve wrote: 91 Points
This can use some decant time.
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12/18/2019 - Barry Notes Likes this wine: 92 Points
Pw/2 hour decant. Clear, deep purple/red. Nice proper nose. Med body, super clean, elegant, balanced, integrated w/med to long finish. Tannin's resolved but not over the top. Perfect drinking window. Delicious, great value $39. Nothing off.
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12/5/2019 - Ralphk Likes this wine: 92 Points
Has years of life left.
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10/6/2019 - T.E.D. wrote: 89 Points
Been holding these for a while. Initial open showed promise, but after a good 30 the wine really flatlined. Dense ripe black and blues fruits with hints of evergeen, mountain forest and iron. Was definitely very flat and linear, a bit stewed. Probably waited too long so drink up.
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9/28/2019 - Night Train Likes this wine: 92 Points
Decided it was finally time to try the '09. Opened (not decanted) about one hour before drinking. Extremely dark, almost black. Assertive nose - mostly plums with a hint of mint. Fairly rich with plums and black cherries. Beautifully balanced, with fine tannins and a better-than-average finish. Seems to be at the beginning of its prime drinking window.
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8/31/2019 - Jmac56 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Nice fruit and well balanced.
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8/25/2019 - JeffNy1 Likes this wine: 94 Points
PnP / steak dinner with friends. I loved this wine. It's in a perfect place right now. Fruit and tannins all seamlessly entwined! Dark garnet color and fruit tasted delicious. Bummed that it was my last bottle from this vintage.
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2/24/2019 - signotim Likes this wine: 93 Points
This improved on the second night open. It shows a stunning perfume with blackberry, mulberry, eucalyptus, and mint. The palate is medium-full bodied, with luscious dark fruit, black tea, and lavender. It has a soft, silky texture and a finish that sticks with you. A beautiful wine that is drinking at its peak
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2/22/2019 - EMTAME wrote: 92 Points
Such a terrific nose on this, reminiscent of warm summer fruits and fresh baked pastry. The palate is silky smooth, as are many ‘09s at this point. Medium-to-full bodied, open, and squarely in its drinking window.
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2/19/2019 - EdKz@comcast.net Likes this wine: 89 Points
Dark faded fruit, earthy and pleasant, but buried complexity. drink soon.
first day 90, second day 88.
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2/6/2019 - bleb wrote:
Drink soon.
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12/28/2018 - Eugenedinapoli wrote:
Saturated deep ruby. Ripe dark fruits, meat/game, smoke, tobacco, leather. Great nose was followed by a slightly disappointing palate that was medium body with sweet tannins, but seemed to be lacking energy and drive. This wine is good but on the cusp of flabby/stewed fruit.
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12/23/2018 - vinomex wrote: 90 Points
Had higher expectations on this wine, solid napa cab, nothing memorable.
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12/16/2018 - Bethesda Paul wrote: 92 Points
First of half a case bought four years ago. Opened quickly. Berries and cassis undertones with a snappy finish
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11/16/2018 - rickspicks wrote: 91 Points
Best bottle yet, but still lacking in richness. I like lean wines, but this is still just a bit austere. Very dark fruits with earth and a hint of graphite, along with oak. Firm structure and a long finish.
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10/28/2018 - BSBONO Likes this wine: 89 Points
Was good but was expecting a little more magic for the age
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10/21/2018 - orange boy wrote: 92 Points
great perfect age complex, more Bordeaux-ish dark fruit,
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4/2/2018 - tplskylrk wrote:
Darn, i hated these so much when young. Stopped buying them. But man this bottle was singing, no chemical trails that i get from their barrllles, totally gone on this bottle. Just delicious integrated wine. Balanced. Yum Yum Yum.
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3/2/2018 - Baron Slick wrote: 92 Points
Stylish and polished this resonates with lovely fruit purity and a genuine expression of place. Notes of black currants, cassis, blackberry cobbler, sous bois, and fancy oak are amplified by a hard candy edge and a hint of root beer. The palate stays true to its pedigree, showing integration, vibrancy, bottle age complexity, and the give and pull of its classic structure. Finishes with a savory note of Castelvetrano olives.
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1/20/2018 - deepend wrote:
- Brick color.
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11/12/2017 - EMark wrote:
Nose of dark fruit. Flsavors of unsweet currant and blueberry on the tongue. Then unsweetened chocolate. Licorice. Still some serious tannins may exaggerate those impressions.
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9/22/2017 - kcsteve Likes this wine: 92 Points
Opaque, but not super dense on palate. Black fruit, leather, hint of bramble. Long, teeth staining finish. Love Chappellet. Opened up after 1 hour. Drinking very well right now and has life to live.
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6/27/2017 - corkcellar wrote: 92 Points
From a mag. Wine is in a good spot-drinking nicely. did decant for 30 min. Tannins mellowed and integrated with typical Chappellet fruit. Solid effort.
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6/25/2017 - meatbomb013 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Great on pop and pour. Better with 2 hours of air as each glass improves.
Would benefit from 2 or more hour decant or more years in the cellar
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6/4/2017 - rickspicks wrote: 91 Points
Decanted for about an hour, but surprisingly, I still felt it was tight. Dark fruits, but not really very rich or ripe and with a somewhat firm structure and a slightly rustic character. I hope time will give it more richness, but I am starting to be skeptical.
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5/15/2017 - SLOFred Likes this wine: 93 Points
Fabulous Napa Cab.
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2/26/2017 - AlexHop Likes this wine: 94 Points
Huge. Rich fragrant nose dark fruit and dusty attic. Bold flavors with quite a tart pucker factor. Long finish. Could use some more age.
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7/12/2016 - PSUSteve wrote: 92 Points
Best on night two so I would give a good decant. Smooth with emphasis on layered black fruit.
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4/10/2016 - DanielJ Likes this wine: 92 Points
Really nice deep rich flavor. Very sof tannins. Nice fruit. Long finish. Drink now.
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4/1/2016 - jmasterj Likes this wine: 91 Points
Wonderfully aromatic, plum and blackberry tones mix well with softened oak influences. Medium plus tannin and body. Not overpowering.
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11/22/2015 - rickspicks wrote: 91 Points
No nose, but with terrific, ripe, rich dark cherry and blackberry on the palate. Juicy, plush and with good depth and intensity. While it has good balance and nice acidy, I also thought it was rather simple and soft.
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9/26/2015 - 1961Vintage Likes this wine: 93 Points
Really well done. From magnum. Hits all the notes and should continue to age nicely for several years.
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9/26/2015 - ivsimler Likes this wine: 93 Points
Yup. 2009 was a great year for Chappellet Cabernet Sauvignon...if you still have a bottle laying around.... Drink it. Or let it sit some more I guess, if you have that much patience.
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9/5/2015 - danielbleier Likes this wine: 91 Points
consistent with notes of 10/22/2014
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8/9/2015 - jimmyrice14 wrote: 93 Points
Fantastic as usual.
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2/23/2015 - gorvetzi Likes this wine: 94 Points
Beautiful balance all around, with lots of pretty red fruit and touches of blueberry, currant, and even eucalyptus. Possesses a pure bead of acidity that cuts through on the palate and gentle but substantial tannins that contribute to a satisfying finish. Fantastic accompaniment to a prime rib dinner. Wonderful elegance and concentration. 93-94
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12/11/2014 - rougeamore Likes this wine: 92 Points
Aroma of raspberry, rose pelal, cigar box and forest floor. there is a lot going on here. The tannins are still quite present. Still good balance of tannins and acid. Blackberry on the palate and brandy notes in the end. Full bodied with a very long finish. Could use a little more time in the bottle. Wonderful wine.
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10/22/2014 - danielbleier Likes this wine: 91 Points
aromas of currant and black olive, still comes across a little tight. Black fruit and herb when tasted. Drying tannins on the finish, but it does not prevent the lingering fruit tones.
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10/22/2014 - Mad Dane wrote: 91 Points
Well integrated, sweet preserved fruits with a wonderfully smoothness. Decanted for 1.5 hours. Brilliant as usual for under 50 clams.
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9/4/2014 - clarktoews Likes this wine: 91 Points
nice dark colour, medium weight, decent dark fruit and some vanilla. wouldn't rush back
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8/11/2014 - eluebchow Likes this wine: 92 Points
Consistently one of my favorite Napa cabs under $50; A dense and concentrated palate of plums, currants and cherries with a silky texture; The oak treatment is noticeable, adding some toasty sweetness to the wine, but is well integrated; The tannins are definitely present and suggest this wine will improve with additional age; Hold or drink now with a lengthy decant
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8/10/2014 - danielbleier Likes this wine: 90 Points
tight and still needing time - flavors of currant and herb and a firm finish
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5/11/2014 - The Wine Sherpa wrote: 91 Points
Good QPR
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2/27/2014 - ponty48 wrote:
Excellent. Deep red color that paints the glass. Ripe red fruit, good acidity and medium finish. Very impressed
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2/10/2014 - Cuellar's Cellar Likes this wine: 92 Points
An amazing experience with this cab. A great price point for a higher end cab. Ready to drink today! Great characteristics. Wish I had more bottles!!
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1/13/2014 - rickspicks wrote: 90 Points
Big nose of primary fruit aromas - mostly dark cherry with some blackberry and blueberry. Rich, lush and concentrated with a smooth, soft, medium body and an acidic bite on the medium finish. Very primary and young, and seems a bit one dimensional right now. Needs another couple of years to develop some complexity and character.
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11/11/2013 - Corrie Likes this wine: 90 Points
Consistently good wine; I like the regular label over Pritchard Hill, for the Price v. Yum factor. Good Cali wine style, balanced and fruity.
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11/7/2013 - RobbieC wrote: 93 Points
This is really nice and although it's young and vibrant it is drinking well now. The previous note by "EBELENKY" is spot-on although I did not notice any hints of brown in the color. Excellent balance. Smooth. I will be looking for more of this wine.
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10/18/2013 - ebelenky Likes this wine: 92 Points
Deep purple, beginning to show some brown on the edges. Notes of fresh herb and dark fruit, evolving into cigar box with a touch of vanilla after about 2 hours. Medium bodied with long finish. Classic Chappellet, better than the 05 in my mind.
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9/20/2013 - jimyeni wrote: 89 Points
Tasting darker (black fruit - plum, blackberry) with less acidity to brighten it up so didn't enjoy as much as the last bottle.
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8/2/2013 - hiroshisugi Likes this wine: 92 Points
Excellent as every year. Great example of a Napa Cab.
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7/15/2013 - jrkennedy37 wrote:
Solid as always. Lush fruit with well-integrated tannin.
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6/2/2013 - lumpyelbow wrote:
Didn't take notes but this was exceptionally good. Great wine. Highly recommended.
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5/31/2013 - DanielJ wrote: 92 Points
Very nice flavor. Very soft tannins. Drinking well now. Cherry and blackberry.
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5/26/2013 - Lax4 Likes this wine: 89 Points
Wine opened up after uncorked for 30 min. Great body and color. Oak flavor.
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5/19/2013 - JDV.DDSPHD wrote: 90 Points
Big napa cab. Stood up to Pritchard hill pretty well. Blackberry & blueberry gave way to sandalwood on the nose. The initial taste was great. Big black fruit with loads up tannins. Gritty tannins that coated the palate nice long finish that really balanced it. out.
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5/15/2013 - smartmass wrote: 92 Points
Wow!
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5/12/2013 - oeno1820 wrote: 93 Points
Dark raspberry chocolate and cassis.
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4/21/2013 - slrankin wrote: 92 Points
High alcohol but nicely integrated. A keeper. I will wait awhile before drinking the second bottle.
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4/5/2013 - r.burt@att.net wrote: 91 Points
Big bold napa cab. Supple tannins after decanting for an hour. Enough fruit to drink without red meat. Not surprising but a bit like Chap's higher end cabs crossed with the excellent Mountain Cuvée.
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4/4/2013 - mcsac67 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Deep Garnet in color. Nose of black currants and cocoa. Flavors of currant, plum, cocoa and a bit of anise and mint. Extremely long finish. Well balanced, with firm, but not overpowering, tannins and not too heavy. Perhaps a bit tight, bit still pleasant. This could definitely improve with age, but is drinking nicely.
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3/30/2013 - tplskylrk wrote:
Dark mountain fruit. Smoky blue/black fruit on the nose, some oak in there. NIce rich mouthfeel, not too heavy, some slightly tight fruit, dry tannins, some of that Chapp oak treatment. Minty, herby, tight still on day II. Some licorious and herbaceous lingering notes. Dry oak. Reasonable depth. Nice, young tight.
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3/2/2013 - defnefferson wrote: 93 Points
Great bottle. Dark berries, currant, chocolate, tobacco, vanilla, and tar.
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1/18/2013 - Cullens wrote: 90 Points
Great nose, floral dark fruit, mocha. The wine seemed tight after 30 mins of decanting. Hot, heavy on the alcohol but began to open up in another 30. Took on the characteristics of a classic Napa Cab. Light to Medium body, some fruit with underlying spice components. I rate this relative to the price. Solid but not a screamer.
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12/18/2012 - Jeff Leve wrote: 88 Points
Earth, oak, plum and cocoa scents lead to a fresh, crisp, high toned expression of Cabernet Sauvignon that ends with a cherry dominated finish.
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12/12/2012 - jimyeni Likes this wine: 91 Points
Red fruit and vibrant mid-palette. Very enjoyable.
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11/10/2012 - Bummers wrote: 93 Points
One of their best efforts...has the delicious factor...really opens up quickly for a 09, after about a hour the wine starts to sing and it gets better and better with each glass. For the price, a great btl.
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10/29/2012 - RobertDwyer wrote: 89 Points
After reading Spectator's recent piece describing how distinctive and expensive Cabs from Pritchard Hill are I thought it would be a good time to check in with this perennial favorite. The bottle I tasted from, as satisfying as it was, was somewhat non-distinct. I can't see my way to calling this one outstanding. Honig a better play in this vintage and it's more affordable.
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10/23/2012 - RayOB wrote: 92 Points
Drank in NY
Still very young and primary but it has all the elements to mature into something really good. Come back in 3 years.
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10/14/2012 - TxVitis wrote: 92 Points
Dark fruit smooth tannins. Excellent mouthfeel with great balance. Will buy and drink more as this is still very, very young. Likely needs 2 years or more to show its best!
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10/5/2012 - pakabear wrote: 90 Points
Elegant style, good fruit and oak but still lacking a bit
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8/10/2012 - InternationalWineReport wrote: 93 Points
The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Signature is another hit from the Chappellet family. This delivers plenty of ripe blackberries, plums with a mix of spice, floral, herbs and warm toasty notes. The wine displays balance and focus, and gets alot of structural support from the firm chewy tannins. (Drink 2013-2023)
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7/14/2012 - thelostverse wrote: 90 Points
Retailer tasting. Black fruits and herbal. Very tannic and in need of time.
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7/7/2012 - vegasoenophile wrote: 91 Points
Light nail polish notes initially on the nose. Then, anise and cassis. Primary flavors of blackberry and cherry jam. Fair oak, big alcohol right now as well as strong acid and tannin. This will age it nicely, but it's pretty big up front. Decant. Very dry. Currant and creme de cassis throughout the palate. Rich and powerful cab.
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7/2/2012 - Dasher wrote: 94 Points
Wow, this wine is always great but this was exceptional.
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7/1/2012 - GoBlue2002 wrote: 89 Points
Honeymoon Wine Tasting; 6/25/2012-7/3/2012 (California - Napa & Sonoma Counties): Tasted at Winery. Ruby red in color, with aromas of cherry, bramble, and red fruit. The body is astringent and dry, lacking much fruit on the palate at this time. Set this one down for a few years and hope the tannins mellow and the fruit makes a stronger appearance. The finish is dominated by the tannins at this time.
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6/24/2012 - cpgarage wrote: 92 Points
Drinking very well for being so young.
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5/13/2012 - 95Retriever wrote: 90 Points
Full bodied with currant and blackberry fruit, no oak. Tannins are nicely integrated, best Chappellet since 2006. This one might score mixed reviews, definitely not for everyone.
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5/2/2012 - Lee Fining wrote: 92 Points
Moderately tannic, would give it a few years on its side.
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4/30/2012 - Jeff Leve wrote: 90 Points
Soft, ripe, black and blue fruit, licorice and coffee with rich textures and a forward, ripe, fruit filled finish.
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4/28/2012 - oeno1820 wrote: 91 Points
About ninety minutes after opening the wine settled down into a delicious, full flavored Cab that vectors beyond its retail price.
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4/14/2012 - Matt Scott wrote: 93 Points
Decanted for over an hour. A violet-garnet, with a thin ruby rim. Cassis, sliced plum, white rose petals, candied cherry and earthy elements. There's ground coffee on the long finish; the tannins are polished and very evident. Purity of flavor and well-layered on all levels. She could really use a few more years and is quite structured. Rather goregeous. Drink 2014 - 2023.
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4/9/2012 - VinoJestes wrote:
Delic
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4/8/2012 - fullpint wrote: 94 Points
The best Signature Cabernet Sauvignon I have tasted from Chappellet. I am a fan of structure and depth and this wine certainly has it all...on the nose you get currants, black cherries, cassis, and cocoa and this is all backed up on the palate as well. We could go on with the complexity of flavours in this wine due to mountain growing, but just buy the wine and see for yourself what the oldest mountain fruit producer in California is doing with Cabernet grapes. The wine keeps going for 3-4 minutes so make sure you have time to savour this beauty!
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3/7/2012 - Ctorrillo wrote: 93 Points
Wow, fantisic and we haven't given it a chance to breath!
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3/2/2012 - mrfigarella Likes this wine: 95 Points
muy buen vino... Mucha madera y aroma...
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1/29/2012 - Lee Fining wrote: 91 Points
Tasted at the Wine House, Taste of Napa event. Was not the best Cab on display, but when you factored in price, this wine was by far the best QPR at the show. Good balance, good fruit and although you can drink it now with sufficient open time, this wine is very age worthy.
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12/5/2011 - imastew wrote: 93 Points
Oh my...popped and poured with wife at home after work. Best Signature cab since 2006. Great fruit, tannins in check..... great mountain cab. Borderline fruit-bomb but drinking well now 2 weeks after delivery. I think 1-3 years will really let things integrate even more and increase my score. Will buy more and drink along the way.
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