Opened 3-1/2hrs prior to dinner & slow-oxed in Riedel BDX glasses & btl. Served at high 50s / low 60s. cellar temp which I feel is smart w/ any 14.9% Alc wine. Dark Ruby red. Aromas of smoky cedar & berries. Big but relatively fresh & focused w/ dark chocolate infused, blackberry, cherry, expresso & licorice. The 14.9% alc is pretty well integrated with the fruit but a cool temp is a must. 92+ My last of three and decent value at the then $65 price. Wouldn't pay more today though.
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This was significantly improved from the bottle I had two years ago and drinking extremely well at this point. Visually, it's still very purple tinged and doesn't appear like a ten-year-old Napa cab. In the glass, a really beautiful plush fruit and floral nose is followed by a mélange of dark fruit tones, tobacco, and faint licorice on the palate. Very complex and continues to open and evolve over the evening. Glad I have two more.
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Delicious, just delightful. Agree with previous commentor that the wine drank young in terms of the aromas (black fruit, graphite, leather) and flavors (bramble, black cherry, sweet tobacco), but with the tannins more integrated. It still had some astringency on the back of the palate, however, which indicates that this vintage has more life yet left in it. Excellent Pritchard Hill vino.
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Espresso, chocolate, cedar, and black fruit on the palette. Not vey expressive on the nose. Little bit of age and mild tannins. It’s a very good wine, had it with pizza, though would probably go better with steaks or roasts
Great wine! Elegant! If drinking now, decant and let breath for three hours. There is still a lot of backbone here and it can easily go for another seven years. I almost feel it was premature to open now, probably peaking in another two years, but definitely in a great drinking window now and you won’t be disappointed!
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I've enjoyed several bottles of this particular vintage over the years but this, my last, was the best. I don’t know if it was due to the 8 or so years it slept in my cellar, or the three hour decant I gave it, but this wine is singing. Rich flavors of typical California cabernet abound: dark red fruits and minerals with hints of vanilla, cocoa and clove; silky textures with exceptional balance, red and black berries, spice and fine grain tannins. The finish was wonderfully long with a mix of red currant, spice, and palate-coating tannins. Add to that secondary notes of iron, earth and sweet herbs, indicative of a bottle, well-aged.
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Ripe Napa new world style cab. Warning: bordeaux lovers might find the alcohol too hot. Though it does seem to settle down a bit on day two. Medium tannin, medium acid. This lacks complexity right now imo. This could use some more savory or mineral elements. Drink now for oodles of fruit, hold 3+ for possible development.
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Awesome! Smooth balanced tannins with long finish of dark fruit, leather, cedar, minerals. Not overly sweet. Really good after 10 min in a glass, would be excellent with a steak and a 30min decant. I would buy this again in a heartbeat.
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Had a glass via coravin a month back, and as a pop-and-pour this is flat and uninteresting. Tonight, opened the rest and gave it a decently aggressive decant, and was able to coax some fruit and secondaries from it - But nothing of substance to stand up to the significant heat. Still quite tannic, so I’m just going with “closed phase,” and will revisit in the future. 10 bottles to go!
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First of 3 ($50@) from a private party purchase about 18 months ago. On the relatively reserved nose and palate, mixed bramble berries, underbrush, fallen leaves, forest floor, cedar, mixed spice (bay leaf, mint and anise), crunchy red and black currants, dark roast coffee and a hint of mostly bitter chocolate. Deep purple with the slightest brown tinge, medium+ bodied, full legs. Medium+ tannins, which are somewhat masking the fruit, medium acidity, the slightest bit of heat. VG+ complexity and intensity, good persistence. Shortly after this bottling’s release, I picked up 4 bottles at a very good price (about $110 for the four, as I recall) in a different private party buy and drank them all within 3 years or so. They were obviously consumed young and probably without much aeration, and while they punched at or above their price point (90-91), they were, on balance, pretty forgettable. Fast forward to the more recent buy, and I looked up this wine and saw that it must have improved, since the retail had essentially doubled. More seriously, in reading some notes, I had the feeling I’d disrespected the wine, drinking it without enough air and before it was in its window, so when the chance to pick up more came around, I took it, even at the higher price (which, interestingly, was proportionate to the new retail as the price had been to the old). This time around, I could see why I came out where I did initially, but there was a lot more promise here. Probably 3-4 years have passed since the last bottle and I gave this 2+ hours before the first glass, and kept the bottle open for several hours thereafter. The fruit is certainly more present, yet this is, at this moment even with prodigious air, still a structure first wine, not only not to be confused with the vanilla-oak laden cult cab sorts, but even the vibrancy of its Pritchard Hill stablemate (yeah, I know: you’d expect that for a wine that’s 3-5x this retail). I have no idea where people’s senses of this being lush or modern are coming from, but I find this brooding, complex and a bit dark. It actually reminds me a bit of some Brunellos and perhaps some of Spring Mountain’s offerings. I’m not familiar enough with Chappellet to have a sense of how typical this is, but it’s not that unusual for ‘13s, although I’ve found numerous other ‘13s to be opening up beautifully in the past 6-12 months. I suspect this has another gear, and will hold my next bottle for at least a couple more years to see if I’m right. A bit better with food, mixed grill one night, gnocchi with prosciutto another, than on its own. Suspect that there’s lots of life left here, and holders will be rewarded further. My net score comes out in the middle of where I think this is and where it’s going. 92-93++
Similar to previous notes, this showed much better after about three hours of airing vs. out of the bottle - lost some stridency and the dryness became less pronounced. Solid, structured cab showing pretty well now but should improve further.
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Consistently great and such a good value. Tons of dark fruit with tannins that are smoothing out but no where near the peak yet. I’ll try It again in 2-3yrs but delicious now.
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Pretty consistent year-to-year and very good. A real value. The volume is turned up even a bit this vintage. On the nose and palate gobs of dark fruit. A little more structure with the 2013 and built to run for years. This is an annual purchase I don't regret. Excellent. 93
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Definitely a more modern interpretation here & I day say "lush". Very palate focused - nose a bit muted. Big on black fruit, baking spice, vanillin. Excellent with a ribeye. 2h open on the counter then decanted.
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Inky black core with some hints of purplish/red fading around the edges. Nose is still fairly primary--stewed black fruits, plums, and a heavy dollop of vanilla and baking spices. Maybe some hints of tobacco and pepper starting to come through.
Full bodied on the palate with moderate acidity. Persistent, firm tannins grip the gums. A bit of a chocolate note on the finish.
Not a huge Napa cab drinker, so this didn't provide much interest to me. It's definitely more restrained than the stereotypical jammy fruit-bomb, but still a fairly modern interpretation. There's a lot of oak that needs a long time to integrate, but I don't think this will hold up long enough for that to happen. I suspect this will keep another 5-10 years, but don't really see it improving.
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Very structured, surprisingly tannic still for its age. Has a nice chalky dryness on the finish, quite satisfying powerful fruit. One of my go-tos across vintages.
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Bright mixed fruit on the tip of the tongue. The brightness is probably due to the acid level. Then I notice the tannin level. Not over-the-top but noticeable level. Mid-palate I get some stoniness or dusttiness. As the wine warms a bit--I PnPed it directly after pulling it from the wine vault--dark fruit, that I normally associate with CS. emrges. A good, enjoyable wine, but I think that the acid and tannin levels still being where they are, but wine would be much more subtle and interesting with several more years of sideways.
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This makes me want to sing! Such a complete Napa cabernet sauvignon, just delicious, from start to finish. One of the benchmark Napa cabs. This is a stellar wine. Smooth, rich, deep, perfect. Bravo!
I've been a fan of Chappellet for many years --- because of the quality of the wine in the glass and the reasonable price and the jaw-dropping awesome land --- so I know this is extraneous, but I have to express my kudos to the family for developing the Grower Collection as a way to increase volume and leverage their obvious ability to craft first class wine in order to meet the requirements of a steadily increasing number of shareholders/family members. Intelligent approach, keep on going. Love the wine.
This has improved a lot over time. The 'congestion' I normally encounter with the Napa '13 vintage generally is gone. This is stacked and packed, with extended dark fruit, some welcome chalkiness and dryness on the finish. This is quite a complete cab, showing well and good value for the quality. Always a bit of a go-to producer for me across vintages.
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Understated elegance and purity - what a great way to bring in the Christmas season and try to put an end to this flawed 2020 debacle. This wine truly brings out the best of the vintage, the winemaker and a fabulous, outstanding bottling. This is absolutely a steal - wish I had at least one or two more bottles!
This is maturing nicely and will continue to improve over the next 4+ years. Balanced, powerful, black fruited with enough tannin to maintain structure. Just a joy to drink over a few hours.
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Pre-dinner with friends at the Woodstock Inn, out on the back deck on a very chilly evening. This bottle has improved much over the last few years of aging. Integrated and powerful with crisp tannic edge. Brilliant.
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Anyone who thinks the tannins are starting to integrate. Is high as a kite. I bought 2 cases of this a few years back. Think this is my 2nd or 3rd btl. This has staying power. Still like drinking a fresh brewed sun tea. Example, sucking on 3 tea bags while eating a grape. Not touching another one of these for min 3 years.
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Great balance. Muted fruit up front with gentle tannins on the back. Paired well with a Akashui beef porterhouse prepared sous vide and finished on a hot charcoal grill.
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Drank over two nights in Sun Valley. Couldn't really decant and stemware wasn't the greatest. However, not the most remarkable wine. Probably expecting more. Fairly muted fruit. Medium bodied.
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Similar experience to other recent tasting notes. No amount of air on night one could get this going. 4+ hours in decanter, then tried aerating (which I rarely do), but that didn't really make a significant difference. Night two was slightly better, but not what I would expect from this producer. This is either in a closed phase, or unfortunately, past its prime. Hope it's the former as I have another two bottles from t this vintage. Will wait 6 to 12 months before trying the next bottle.
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I hate to say it but I think this wine has lost a little but of it's spark since the last time I had it. Dark berries, licorice, herb and some vegetal notes. Balanced but lacks the complexity and long finish I would have expected from a typically outstanding wine. Still delicious.
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PnP in Riedel BDX glasses & further slow ox for 75 minutes prior to dinner. 1st sniffs & sip promising so no decant. Served at high 50s cellar temp which I think was smart with any 14.9% Alc wine. Dark Purple, almost black color with bright red edges. Aromas of smoky cedar and berries. Big but relatively fresh & focused with dark chocolate infused; blackberry, cherry, expresso and licorice. The 14.9% alc is pretty well hidden. Great tonight with Nita's spot on version of the LA Fatburger chain's burger.
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Dark, blackberry fruit, tight and concentrated with notes of licorice, cassis and dark chocolate. Needs at least an hour to fully open up and expect this Cab getting better with age as its tannins start softening.
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- It's balanced with a medium body. Round texture with a medium finish - Very nice cab. Ready to drink. Solid but not overwhelming fruit. Berry notes. Coravined this one and it had sediment in the pour. So be sure to decant.
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Really jammy, I would not peg this as a Cab - feels more like a Shiraz - super spicy. Not what I expect or want from a Napa cab - the opposite of elegant. I remember the '12 being cooler and a bit more restrained. Hopefully this will be better in 10 years, but not sure.
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Gift from Bro-rolo, that I stashed away for a few years. Very enjoyable, and is probably 2 years from entering drinking window. Was hoping it would be a bit better given 13 was a highly acclaimed napa vintage. Still solid though - and better with food than alone.
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Popped, aerated, poured. Quite tight on first sip, as expected. Opened up nicely within an hour, with all the fire gone. Still fruit forward, but not so much. The earthy balance is quite prominent, and it owns the finish, which is deep and long without being too sweet. I’d prefer a little more sweet through the finish but a great wine overall.
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Very balanced with nice acidity that made for a great pairing with lamb and beef. Aromas of dark fruit (blackberries and plum). Kind of a boomerang finish... absent for a while then coming back with some nice complexity. Drinking very well now. I wouldn’t let this age many (any) more years.
Good but never great. Not overly fruity and balance improved after grainy tannins receded after a couple hours of opening, but flavors remained congested. Drinkable now but I would hold in hopes of improvement.
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A good bottle from St. Emillion would be a much better wine for the same money spent, quite frankly. Tasted throughout several hours of decanting at varying temps. Fairly ripe, overall, with limited complexity; the fruit is overly rich, to my taste.
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Throw down vs. Cakebread. Heavier and bigger mouthfeel. Earthier with chalk and dark fruit. Rich and spicy. This guy was just a bit too much until the steak came. Then he did his job and reminded me why I keep buying this. Drinking well now.
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tasted from coravin against the 2004 to see what a decade can do. Both 14.9 ABV with none noticeable. Definitely they make the wine to the house style since they are very similar. Boysenberry and other black fruits. Definitely cali but not a fruit only wine. The big takeaway is the 2013 has a much bigger mouth feel and more depth and glycerin. No doubt the better wine but I loved the style consistency if you want to buy off years.
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Decanted, slightly cool from the wine cabinet - almost felt like it was cool climate, it was so composed and restrained at first. Really classy - best Chappellet in a very long time. Took on more raciness and spice after a while.
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Cassis, blueberry, earth, flowers, and hints of strawberry, bubble gum, lipstick, and oregano. Cassis, blueberry, boysenberry, earth, tart cherry, plum jam, and subtle herbs on the palate. Good acidity, fine but present tannins, medium-long finish. Big and delicious. This was a great bottle. I suspect it’ll age well, but it’s really drinkable right now.
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BYO to Glo w only $20 corkage. PnP'd and delighted all rellies on the first taste. Great aromatics of dark ripe to dark dried fruits. Some spice and tobacco as well on the nose. All carried thru on the palate with med-plus finish. Not overly complex but well-balanced. Delish with surf & turf. Currently $20 off list @ BC Liq Stores. V Good Value at this level of quality.
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I think we all know what $50-$75 Napa cabs taste like, and the Chapp Signature doesn't stray the course too much either, but what keeps us going back to the well for this one is that the sweetness is much more tempered and milder than a lot of it's peers. Not sure why anyone would want wine flavored coca-cola, but there must be plenty of them out there...
I bought a few 13s a couple years ago when they were released, and have been holding these until busting this one open just now. Put it into a decanter for 90 minutes, and was still tight when we started dinner. It definitely started to chill out after about hour 3 for the last couple of refills. At that point it was really good.
All that being said, it probably needs 2 more years to be really good with an hour or less decant, and probably could go another 10 years before fading, making a 93+ going up seem reasonable to me. RP gave it a 96 two years ago, so who am I to disagree? lol
-Bro-rolo
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Dark Ruby and great on the nose. Blueberries, vanilla, plum, and florals. Full bodied with a long long finish. Tannins will rounded with a little bite still noticeable.
Overall enjoyable just left me wanting and hoping for more from this vintage. Better wines in this general price point.
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I loved this wine on release but it seems to have lost something over the last 20 months. A bit more restrained than I remember but good nevertheless. Violets, black fruit, graphite and the beginnings of some earthiness. It definitely can be held for a number of years from now. I will take my time in opening additional bottles.
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Spectacular wine. Incredible body and depth. On the nose floral notes, and dark fruit notes. On the palate, blueberries, marionberry, chocolate, and licorice. A decadent and hedonistic wine.
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Second Sunday Group: 2012 v 2013 Napa Cabernets (Our house): Chocolate, cassis and violet aromas. Firm, dense tannins with flavors of dark fruit and kirsch liqueur. Develops a subtle earthy note to complement the dark fruit, remaining tannic and firm, but with a long finish. Balanced, in spite of its size, as there's plenty of fruit here too. 92+ pts.
My #3, Domino's #3 Group #2, 33 pts
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Enjoyable but ultimately a little disappointing. Opens with a fantastic fanfare of dark fruit and promise, but it soon becomes clear that the rest of the orchestral has already left the building. Missing some stuffing in the mid palate and beyond, but still a pleasant experience.
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Didn't take any formal notes on this as I had it a couple weeks ago and opened it for a friend. All I can really say about this is I remember thinking to myself "well s**t, probably should have waited a few more years.
Was super tight and we didn't give time to decant. WHOOPS!
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Notable improvement relative to a disjointed mess this wine tasted like back in 2016. Improved over several hours of decanting, revealing some graphite, cinnamon, and dark fruit notes. The complexity and finish, however, continues to be limited. Not the best Chappellet I've had over the years.
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I'll start off with I prefer mature reds. This has some serious potential. Decanted for 1 hour, consumed over an hour. Very balanced wine, fruit forward with good tannins. Glad I have 23 more bottles. Wait a year and try another.
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Good wine, but you need to drink it during the sweet spot. 2 - 3 hours after opening. Before and it is too "vegetal" and tight. After and it is washed out. During the drinking window, you will be rewarded with flavors of cherry and dark fruit. Medium bodied with a long finish. I'm not sure additional cellaring will make a tremendous amount of difference. This is just a difficult year for this wine.
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This smells a bit sweet on the nose. An opaque core with a ruby-tinged meniscus; served in a Zalto Universal glass. Scents of smoke, cassis, and beef jerky. The palate it a bit "slutty" and is a bit of a cross between a chocolate frappe and a blended-berry smoothie. I can see why people really like this style of wine...once a year or every 6-8 months. I have to be in a mood for it...tonight I thought I was...but I wasn't. It's still an Excellent wine.
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Followed over two days, this really benefitted from 90 mins of air, opening up and showing black plum and other dark fruits, though some of the softness associated with '13s. Much better on day 1 (91+) but provided good inspiration to go out and buy a bunch of the '14 vintage the following day.
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Tasted great after a flat LMR cab I drank the night before but in absolute terms was a bit short. Dark fruit with some secondary dirt and chocolate flavors. Some life on the finish with tannins and acidity. Drank better on second day as it opened up more overnight. Not seeing all the press excitement but small sample size.
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A savory and thick Cabernet-based blend that checks most of the boxes, but isn't that exciting. Purple in color, medium in body, nose of black cherry and baking spices. Brooding tastes of black cherry, graphite, and rosemary, with a finish that coats the mouth with tannins, in part because the acidity is quite low (i.e., not a lot of life in the wine). 14.9% alcohol. Blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Malbec, 5% Merlot, and 4% Petit Verdot. Perhaps this will blossom with time, but it's a little too inward and grippy for my taste.
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Drank this bottle over two days because it didn't appear ready on day one. Day two, some improvement but still somewhat underwhelming especially in light of Parker's 96 rating. Purple fruit - blackberry, blueberry, currants, and dark cherry. Smooth mid-palate with decent depth. A little rich and sweet - the blend shows. Solid finish but not overly long nor deep. In all, a solid cab for the price point and it's obviously young so I expect it to get better with more time; however, once again I'm surprised by the 96 rating from Parker. A very different cab blend in my opinion and it shows - 79% cab, 12% Malbec, 5% merlot, and 4% petit verdot
If I would have scored this after the first night, I would have scored this in the 80s. It was disjointed and backward. Little fruit. Kind of dead. Not good. So we left 2/3 in the bottle for the next night. Only we were out that night so we didn't come back to it until night 3. And it was a completely different wine. Beautiful dark fruit, as I remember it at the winery and upon release. Great structure. Interesting. Compelling. So, what does this teach me? Do not try another bottle for at least a year, which is a really long time for me, as we like our wines young. But this bottle, on that day, had nothing happening upon opening. So, we wait.
Second stop on multi state run.... Sour cherry and pickled deli health salad w carrots on the generous nose. Wine is tight and finish dependably short as '13 would suggest. Fruit takes a back seat but the wine is clearly well structured. Many years ahead for this offering.
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Typical big Napa Valley Cabernet, dark color, new oak, ripe fruit, it lacked finesse or personality. Possibly a bit young, it was fine with the steak but I am glad I didn't pay for it. Did not finish my second glass when dinner was over.
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Underwhelming, especially for the price, most likely because too young. I've had prior vintages and was expecting something good from the 2013 of this wine. After an hour of decanting, tannins were still too intrusive with pronounced bitterness. Acidity is too low, to my taste, almost nonexistent. Mid-palate is yet too weak but could put more flesh with age. Overall, unbalanced and disappointing even if an easy drinker. Rating 91 for potential, more like NR right now.
Have to think of Mark Stull every time you pop a bottle of Chappellet! Unfortunately it didn't stand up to the Paradigm last night. Decent nose, plenty of fruit, but either needs some age or some more refining. I enjoyed it, but better cabs at this price point.
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Slow ox for 2 hour prior to dinner after a couple pours into Riedel BDX glasses. Served at high 50s cellar temp which I think was smart with a 14.9% Alc wine. Dark Purple, almost black color with bright red edges. Nose shows fresh berries, smoke and hint of tobacco. Dark fruit, vanilla, chocolate, expresso and spice. This is very tasty and it didn't take us long to kill this with filet mignon kebobs. Tannins are mostly in check and oak is not overbearing. Not sure how well this would drink if served in the high 60s but we loved it in the high 50s/ low 60s. Plenty of concentration and depth for a $54 Cab. I'd like to try the current version of their top wine but not sure I want to pay the $130+ price tag to find out. Had there original Cabs on release from the late 60s vintages with my dad. Think those sold for around $10 in his store :).
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Dark magenta and clear in the glass. Open and expressive nose with: blackberry, blueberry, anise, and floral elements. Oak is in check and there are some espresso notes as well. Same on palate. Full and expansive mouthfeel with polished tannins and overall balanced structure. This one did require some air (overnight at 4C in stopped decanter). Initially it presented some alcoholic bite/heat.
While I thoroughly enjoyed this bottle, I have to say it would make MUCH more sense to label it as a blend, or meritage. The 12% Malbec is really, more than anything else, responsible for the color, aroma, palate feel, and character of the wine. I did like it, but it's a mistake to attribute its most appealing qualities to Cabernet, so why label it a Cabernet?
In most vintages, the wine is 76% CabernetSauvignon, while minimum required by CA is 75%, to be labeled as CabSauv. That ought to tell you something about Chappellet's strategy..........
So as far as offering a score.... I'd say 94-95, if it were presented as a red blend or meritage. Presented as a Cabernet, since it really doesn't showcase that grape, 91-92...
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Clearly has the bones to be a wonderful wine 5-10 years down the road but currently tight with some heat on the palate. With extended air, the trademark elegant and understated style of Chappellet starts to show itself thus this is worth aging. FWIW- 2007's are drinking great currently.
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Had on 5/8/58. Mother's Day and Barb's birthday. Impromptu visit from Deb,Dan, and Karen from Buffalo. Becky up from NYC as a surprise for the weekend. Grandma Ruth here as well. The wine tasted nice. Evenly balanced and soft tannins. Great to drink now. Nice body and mouth feel.
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The nose showed a mix of dark red fruits and minerals offset by hints of vanilla, cocoa and clove. On the palate, it displayed silky textures with impeccable balance, showing red and black berries, spice and fine grain tannin that provided perfect grip. The finish was wonderfully long with a mix of red currant, spice, sweet herbs, and palate-coating tannin. A hint of blackberry bitterness lingered. The 2013 Signature was stunning today, but it should be even better in five years’ time.
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Very nicely made wine. Floral aromas, soft tannins, black fruit flavors. Could use some time to open up. $62 per at my local binnys, i think i can do better for the money.
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There is not much to add to the other tasting notes. I concur that the wine is excellent. It markedly improves with some air. I am worried I will drink it all before it spends some time in the bottle where it will no doubt improve.
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Poured through aerator and still took an hour to start opening up but really needed two to three hours in the glass to really show its stuff. Once it did fully come around, aromas and flavors of cherries and rich, ripe fruits. Notes of earthy spices, vanilla and licorice. Tannins were in check even right out of the bottle making for a very smooth and silky mouth feel. Delicious.
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This is a beautiful Napa Cab. Fruity and floral nose with a touch of alcohol. A subtle flavor, berries and a nice finish. Very good balance and structure. Will continue to only get better. Well worth it. The vineyard is just as wonderful as this wine. Get some. Go there if you can.
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Spice box aromas with blackberry and coffee flavors that is a little short on length and with rough tannins in early 2016. It is more structured, dry and balanced than many Napa Cabs and should be much better by 2018
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With freshness to the fruits, ripe tannins, concentration and an aromatic profile of wet earth, herbs, spice and dark black with red fruits, the wine is a winner.
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Dark purple. Good fruit flavor. Tannins are big and smooth out over an hour or two. This is a plush wine that will knock of your socks. Suggest stashing this one away for a couple years.
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Unlike the last note, this time it was our only wine of the night and stood on its own. Basically, there is glory in this bottle. It's a huge, serious, layered, deep, rich wine that's ridiculous priced at $48 through the club. I bought a case initially, and just added six more. There's black and blue fruit here, big tannin, and plenty of oak. It needs hours in the decanter at this point. Drinkable immediately but this will improve for days with air, if we kept it around that long. I think it will improve in the bottle for 7 years easily, reaching a peak in 7-10, and will remain excellent for 20 years or more. Sensational effort, and for $48...unbelievable.
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ANOTHER great from Chappellet. The wine looks purple colored. The legs are medium. There is no sediment in the bottle. It smells like black currant (cassis), raspberry, plum and stoniness. It tastes like strawberry, medium toast and pine. The body is medium. The wine has juicy texture. The wine finishes long. The wine has medium acidity.
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Completele agree with Outlier note. This is a massive young cab that can be enjoyed early. Has a tremendous potential. Can be confused with high priced elite Cabs. Highly recommended.
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Tightly wound, polished tannins and layers of ripe dark fruit. Really dark and foreboding. This needs a few years to unfurl properly but it's clear that this is a real winner. This is a very serious, deep, penetrating cab with fantastic quality and nothing to apologize for. Excellent stuff. Drinkable now with decanting but a shame not to wait a few more years.
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Popped another bottle. Definitely needs time. My desire to consume needs to take a back seat, because this is youngster in every way. I think this is a terrific QPR, but at this point I don't see the 96 Parker bestowed up it. I'd say upside a few points. Quite tannic this time around and primal. Shouldn't be surprised given '13 vintage and mountain fruit.
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Good but not great. Didn't find a ton of depth or layers. Also, it posessed a certain sweet ting that can be found in much less expensive wines. Decanted 3 hours and rebottled/pumped to drink the next day. Not much improvement other than texture.
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Very promising bottle of wine. Gorgeous coming out of the bottle, with a deep ruby color and a beautiful, fragrant nose. Dark chocolate and licorice on the pallet, there is great complexity to this wine. Prichard Hill terroir to be sure. I believe this wine, like many '13's, needs some bottle age to truly show what it can do. It isn't "singing" at the moment, but certainly has the structure to last many, many years into the future. An exceptional vintage for this wine.
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Possibly the best bottle of wine under $60 we've ever tasted.
This is an *exciting* wine.
It's softer and more approachable than the powerhouses we drank it with from Outpost and Mending Wall, but it held its own very well.
Good fruit, softer, smoother tannins, a more feminine expression than the Thomas Rivers Brown wines. It's more perfumey than those wines, but in a good way. This is definitely Pritchard Hill, but it doesn't punch you in your face. It grabs your face and says "concentrate."
Everyone around the table kept shaking our heads, saying how we can't believe this was just $48 through the wine club.
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Fresh and young. Chappellet's complexity is there. Fresh dark berry to cassis, warming oak tones, baking spices, black pepper and slight coffee. 2013's growing season is said to be as good, if not better than 2012. Laying down a 12 and 13 for side by side in a couple of years to tell the story of Pritchard Hill.
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Gravel, braised meat, creosote, blackberry and stir fried mushrooms. Waves of flavor that lead towards a long, acidic finish. Shimmering, elastic tannins. This is on the same plain as something from Graves. Decant or wait. Drink 2018 - 2030.
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Tasting pour. Very impressive, much more open and inviting than the Mtn Cuvee. Very sleek, silky tannins, black and red fruits, dark mountain berries, hints of boysenberry, Medium full bodied, long. This will be really good. 92+(+)pts.
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4/1/2024 - Mapleglo330 Likes this wine:
Still going strong.
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2/23/2024 - chablis28 wrote: 92 Points
Opened 3-1/2hrs prior to dinner & slow-oxed in Riedel BDX glasses & btl. Served at high 50s / low 60s. cellar temp which I feel is smart w/ any 14.9% Alc wine. Dark Ruby red. Aromas of smoky cedar & berries. Big but relatively fresh & focused w/ dark chocolate infused, blackberry, cherry, expresso & licorice. The 14.9% alc is pretty well integrated with the fruit but a cool temp is a must. 92+ My last of three and decent value at the then $65 price. Wouldn't pay more today though.
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11/21/2023 - EMTAME wrote: 94 Points
This was significantly improved from the bottle I had two years ago and drinking extremely well at this point. Visually, it's still very purple tinged and doesn't appear like a ten-year-old Napa cab. In the glass, a really beautiful plush fruit and floral nose is followed by a mélange of dark fruit tones, tobacco, and faint licorice on the palate. Very complex and continues to open and evolve over the evening. Glad I have two more.
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11/21/2023 - kend707 Likes this wine: 95 Points
Even as pnp this was wonderful. One of the best bouquets ever. Rich cherry and elderberry flavors with well-integrated tannins. Many years remaining.
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11/13/2023 - Magnanamist wrote: 94 Points
Delicious, just delightful. Agree with previous commentor that the wine drank young in terms of the aromas (black fruit, graphite, leather) and flavors (bramble, black cherry, sweet tobacco), but with the tannins more integrated. It still had some astringency on the back of the palate, however, which indicates that this vintage has more life yet left in it. Excellent Pritchard Hill vino.
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11/4/2023 - Grinner wrote: 94 Points
25th Annual Lyon 10 Year Retrospective (Lyon Down Inn): Great open nose! this is all about black fruits, mocha, spice, and oak. Notable balance and integration. 93 on day 2.
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10/22/2023 - Zweder Likes this wine: 94 Points
USA 2013 tasting by Sander (By SS @ De Ertepeller in Papendrecht): Beautiful bouquet with dark berries. On the palate dark berries, chocolate, good acidity, good oak, still sticky tannin, elegance, good length and juicy. Beautiful wine.
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10/1/2023 - dizzydd Likes this wine: 90 Points
Espresso, chocolate, cedar, and black fruit on the palette. Not vey expressive on the nose. Little bit of age and mild tannins. It’s a very good wine, had it with pizza, though would probably go better with steaks or roasts
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9/24/2023 - cweiss Likes this wine:
Really good in the Napa style with lots of sweet fruit, good balance, no excessive oak influence. A crowd favorite. My only, but drink nor hold.
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9/15/2023 - edjBoca Likes this wine: 93 Points
This drank young....Sleek and medium body. Tannic finish isn't harsh...Overall it is still wound up some....2-3 years before another for my palate.
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9/6/2023 - Mdubnik Likes this wine: 94 Points
In a fantastic place!
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6/22/2023 - Vascular46 Likes this wine: 95 Points
Deep ruby color with blue and black fruit on the nose. Add some cassis to the long finish with soft tannins.
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3/24/2023 - PMTinfv Likes this wine: 93 Points
Great wine! Elegant! If drinking now, decant and let breath for three hours. There is still a lot of backbone here and it can easily go for another seven years. I almost feel it was premature to open now, probably peaking in another two years, but definitely in a great drinking window now and you won’t be disappointed!
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2/22/2023 - Vailman Likes this wine: 92 Points
I've enjoyed several bottles of this particular vintage over the years but this, my last, was the best. I don’t know if it was due to the 8 or so years it slept in my cellar, or the three hour decant I gave it, but this wine is singing. Rich flavors of typical California cabernet abound: dark red fruits and minerals with hints of vanilla, cocoa and clove; silky textures with exceptional balance, red and black berries, spice and fine grain tannins. The finish was wonderfully long with a mix of red currant, spice, and palate-coating tannins. Add to that secondary notes of iron, earth and sweet herbs, indicative of a bottle, well-aged.
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2/12/2023 - ephorn Likes this wine: 90 Points
Ripe Napa new world style cab. Warning: bordeaux lovers might find the alcohol too hot. Though it does seem to settle down a bit on day two. Medium tannin, medium acid. This lacks complexity right now imo. This could use some more savory or mineral elements. Drink now for oodles of fruit, hold 3+ for possible development.
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2/12/2023 - Dionysusx Likes this wine: 96 Points
This wine is in its prime right now. Silky, cohesive, beautiful. Decanted for 1 hour and thoroughly enjoyed every drop!
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12/4/2022 - Dale Rattles Likes this wine: 92 Points
Agree with 2th-N-Face’s review. Decanted through VinAire and this was singing in 30 minutes Very good with NY Strip.
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11/11/2022 - 2th-n-face-Dr wrote: 92 Points
Awesome! Smooth balanced tannins with long finish of dark fruit, leather, cedar, minerals. Not overly sweet. Really good after 10 min in a glass, would be excellent with a steak and a 30min decant. I would buy this again in a heartbeat.
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6/12/2022 - steinbrl12 Likes this wine: 92 Points
full, rich fruit. lomg
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5/14/2022 - deviousrhesus wrote:
Had a glass via coravin a month back, and as a pop-and-pour this is flat and uninteresting. Tonight, opened the rest and gave it a decently aggressive decant, and was able to coax some fruit and secondaries from it - But nothing of substance to stand up to the significant heat. Still quite tannic, so I’m just going with “closed phase,” and will revisit in the future. 10 bottles to go!
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5/2/2022 - sfwinelover1 Likes this wine: 93 Points
First of 3 ($50@) from a private party purchase about 18 months ago. On the relatively reserved nose and palate, mixed bramble berries, underbrush, fallen leaves, forest floor, cedar, mixed spice (bay leaf, mint and anise), crunchy red and black currants, dark roast coffee and a hint of mostly bitter chocolate. Deep purple with the slightest brown tinge, medium+ bodied, full legs. Medium+ tannins, which are somewhat masking the fruit, medium acidity, the slightest bit of heat. VG+ complexity and intensity, good persistence. Shortly after this bottling’s release, I picked up 4 bottles at a very good price (about $110 for the four, as I recall) in a different private party buy and drank them all within 3 years or so. They were obviously consumed young and probably without much aeration, and while they punched at or above their price point (90-91), they were, on balance, pretty forgettable. Fast forward to the more recent buy, and I looked up this wine and saw that it must have improved, since the retail had essentially doubled. More seriously, in reading some notes, I had the feeling I’d disrespected the wine, drinking it without enough air and before it was in its window, so when the chance to pick up more came around, I took it, even at the higher price (which, interestingly, was proportionate to the new retail as the price had been to the old). This time around, I could see why I came out where I did initially, but there was a lot more promise here. Probably 3-4 years have passed since the last bottle and I gave this 2+ hours before the first glass, and kept the bottle open for several hours thereafter. The fruit is certainly more present, yet this is, at this moment even with prodigious air, still a structure first wine, not only not to be confused with the vanilla-oak laden cult cab sorts, but even the vibrancy of its Pritchard Hill stablemate (yeah, I know: you’d expect that for a wine that’s 3-5x this retail). I have no idea where people’s senses of this being lush or modern are coming from, but I find this brooding, complex and a bit dark. It actually reminds me a bit of some Brunellos and perhaps some of Spring Mountain’s offerings. I’m not familiar enough with Chappellet to have a sense of how typical this is, but it’s not that unusual for ‘13s, although I’ve found numerous other ‘13s to be opening up beautifully in the past 6-12 months. I suspect this has another gear, and will hold my next bottle for at least a couple more years to see if I’m right. A bit better with food, mixed grill one night, gnocchi with prosciutto another, than on its own. Suspect that there’s lots of life left here, and holders will be rewarded further. My net score comes out in the middle of where I think this is and where it’s going. 92-93++
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4/17/2022 - JDB wrote: 90 Points
Much better with some air. I was pretty disappointed upon opening but gathers strength in the decanter
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12/25/2021 - John McCabe wrote: 93 Points
Similar to previous notes, this showed much better after about three hours of airing vs. out of the bottle - lost some stridency and the dryness became less pronounced. Solid, structured cab showing pretty well now but should improve further.
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12/11/2021 - jonanator wrote: 91 Points
Already quite delicious but a few more years should allow this to really blossom
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12/5/2021 - PANYC Likes this wine: 93 Points
Consistently great and such a good value. Tons of dark fruit with tannins that are smoothing out but no where near the peak yet. I’ll try It again in 2-3yrs but delicious now.
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11/8/2021 - JB12 wrote: 92 Points
Definitely nice cab. A little chalky at first and then dark fruit flavors come out as it breathes. Pretty smooth wine with a nice finish.
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10/10/2021 - swade wrote: 93 Points
Pretty consistent year-to-year and very good. A real value. The volume is turned up even a bit this vintage. On the nose and palate gobs of dark fruit. A little more structure with the 2013 and built to run for years. This is an annual purchase I don't regret. Excellent. 93
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10/9/2021 - weinmatt Likes this wine: 92 Points
Definitely a more modern interpretation here & I day say "lush". Very palate focused - nose a bit muted. Big on black fruit, baking spice, vanillin. Excellent with a ribeye. 2h open on the counter then decanted.
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9/25/2021 - Coachron13 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Excellent cab, great value (we paid $51). Has nice structure, well integrated, but plenty of time left.
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9/16/2021 - mcktuck wrote: 87 Points
Inky black core with some hints of purplish/red fading around the edges. Nose is still fairly primary--stewed black fruits, plums, and a heavy dollop of vanilla and baking spices. Maybe some hints of tobacco and pepper starting to come through.
Full bodied on the palate with moderate acidity. Persistent, firm tannins grip the gums. A bit of a chocolate note on the finish.
Not a huge Napa cab drinker, so this didn't provide much interest to me. It's definitely more restrained than the stereotypical jammy fruit-bomb, but still a fairly modern interpretation. There's a lot of oak that needs a long time to integrate, but I don't think this will hold up long enough for that to happen. I suspect this will keep another 5-10 years, but don't really see it improving.
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8/17/2021 - ogres3 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Drinking really well. Opaque. Lush dark fruit, not overpowering, pairs very well with food, very long finish.
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7/1/2021 - John McCabe wrote: 94 Points
Very structured, surprisingly tannic still for its age. Has a nice chalky dryness on the finish, quite satisfying powerful fruit. One of my go-tos across vintages.
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6/3/2021 - Arch57 wrote: 89 Points
This wasn’t very interesting.
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5/31/2021 - EMark Likes this wine:
Bright mixed fruit on the tip of the tongue. The brightness is probably due to the acid level. Then I notice the tannin level. Not over-the-top but noticeable level. Mid-palate I get some stoniness or dusttiness. As the wine warms a bit--I PnPed it directly after pulling it from the wine vault--dark fruit, that I normally associate with CS. emrges. A good, enjoyable wine, but I think that the acid and tannin levels still being where they are, but wine would be much more subtle and interesting with several more years of sideways.
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4/18/2021 - hondius wrote:
At the end of life. Perhaps an off bottle?
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4/2/2021 - EMTAME wrote: 92 Points
Quite nice, and early in its window. This is a terrific value in Napa cab.
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1/29/2021 - der Schmecker Likes this wine: 94 Points
This makes me want to sing! Such a complete Napa cabernet sauvignon, just delicious, from start to finish. One of the benchmark Napa cabs. This is a stellar wine. Smooth, rich, deep, perfect. Bravo!
I've been a fan of Chappellet for many years --- because of the quality of the wine in the glass and the reasonable price and the jaw-dropping awesome land --- so I know this is extraneous, but I have to express my kudos to the family for developing the Grower Collection as a way to increase volume and leverage their obvious ability to craft first class wine in order to meet the requirements of a steadily increasing number of shareholders/family members. Intelligent approach, keep on going. Love the wine.
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1/22/2021 - John McCabe wrote: 94 Points
This has improved a lot over time. The 'congestion' I normally encounter with the Napa '13 vintage generally is gone. This is stacked and packed, with extended dark fruit, some welcome chalkiness and dryness on the finish. This is quite a complete cab, showing well and good value for the quality. Always a bit of a go-to producer for me across vintages.
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12/15/2020 - pdbender Likes this wine: 96 Points
Understated elegance and purity - what a great way to bring in the Christmas season and try to put an end to this flawed 2020 debacle.
This wine truly brings out the best of the vintage, the winemaker and a fabulous, outstanding bottling. This is absolutely a steal - wish I had at least one or two more bottles!
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10/5/2020 - g-man Likes this wine: 93 Points
This is maturing nicely and will continue to improve over the next 4+ years. Balanced, powerful, black fruited with enough tannin to maintain structure. Just a joy to drink over a few hours.
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9/18/2020 - vzang Likes this wine: 95 Points
Pre-dinner with friends at the Woodstock Inn, out on the back deck on a very chilly evening. This bottle has improved much over the last few years of aging. Integrated and powerful with crisp tannic edge. Brilliant.
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5/28/2020 - RonT Likes this wine: 90 Points
Cherry and smoke with a nice touch of acidity. Finishes long.
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5/26/2020 - Elkcims Likes this wine: 94 Points
Full bodied, black and blue fruit. Best after 4 hour slow ox. Drank over several days and it improved each day in bottle.
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4/26/2020 - Holdenculfield wrote: 90 Points
Anyone who thinks the tannins are starting to integrate. Is high as a kite. I bought 2 cases of this a few years back. Think this is my 2nd or 3rd btl. This has staying power. Still like drinking a fresh brewed sun tea. Example, sucking on 3 tea bags while eating a grape. Not touching another one of these for min 3 years.
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3/22/2020 - OTTMJ Likes this wine: 93 Points
Plenty of fruit and tannins starting to integrate. Delicious now but no hints of slowing down for the foreseeable future
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3/21/2020 - Soksdude Likes this wine: 93 Points
Great balance. Muted fruit up front with gentle tannins on the back. Paired well with a Akashui beef porterhouse prepared sous vide and finished on a hot charcoal grill.
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2/25/2020 - ogres3 Likes this wine: 87 Points
Drank over two nights in Sun Valley. Couldn't really decant and stemware wasn't the greatest. However, not the most remarkable wine. Probably expecting more. Fairly muted fruit. Medium bodied.
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2/17/2020 - Glencoewine Likes this wine: 88 Points
Similar experience to other recent tasting notes. No amount of air on night one could get this going. 4+ hours in decanter, then tried aerating (which I rarely do), but that didn't really make a significant difference. Night two was slightly better, but not what I would expect from this producer. This is either in a closed phase, or unfortunately, past its prime. Hope it's the former as I have another two bottles from t this vintage. Will wait 6 to 12 months before trying the next bottle.
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12/28/2019 - IGN WINESNOB wrote: 93 Points
Drank from 3L. Over a 5 hour period at football party this wowed. Decanted for about 2 hours prior and delivered. Enjoy!!
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11/3/2019 - rougeamore Likes this wine: 90 Points
I hate to say it but I think this wine has lost a little but of it's spark since the last time I had it. Dark berries, licorice, herb and some vegetal notes. Balanced but lacks the complexity and long finish I would have expected from a typically outstanding wine. Still delicious.
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10/6/2019 - DJM/LTM wrote:
Sep 2019 - Opened 1 bottle and was better after open overnight, needs 12 hrs open after vacuvin
96 WA score
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9/13/2019 - chablis28 wrote: 92 Points
PnP in Riedel BDX glasses & further slow ox for 75 minutes prior to dinner. 1st sniffs & sip promising so no decant. Served at high 50s cellar temp which I think was smart with any 14.9% Alc wine. Dark Purple, almost black color with bright red edges. Aromas of smoky cedar and berries. Big but relatively fresh & focused with dark chocolate infused; blackberry, cherry, expresso and licorice. The 14.9% alc is pretty well hidden. Great tonight with Nita's spot on version of the LA Fatburger chain's burger.
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9/6/2019 - Schiffy Likes this wine: 92 Points
Dark, blackberry fruit, tight and concentrated with notes of licorice, cassis and dark chocolate. Needs at least an hour to fully open up and expect this Cab getting better with age as its tannins start softening.
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8/5/2019 - JB12 wrote: 92 Points
- It's balanced with a medium body. Round texture with a medium finish - Very nice cab. Ready to drink. Solid but not overwhelming fruit. Berry notes. Coravined this one and it had sediment in the pour. So be sure to decant.
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7/23/2019 - John McCabe wrote: 92 Points
Really jammy, I would not peg this as a Cab - feels more like a Shiraz - super spicy. Not what I expect or want from a Napa cab - the opposite of elegant. I remember the '12 being cooler and a bit more restrained. Hopefully this will be better in 10 years, but not sure.
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7/1/2019 - Margaux Bro Likes this wine: 93 Points
Gift from Bro-rolo, that I stashed away for a few years. Very enjoyable, and is probably 2 years from entering drinking window. Was hoping it would be a bit better given 13 was a highly acclaimed napa vintage. Still solid though - and better with food than alone.
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6/8/2019 - twither Likes this wine: 92 Points
Solid, earthy, dark fruit. Didn't really evolve over time (2 days)....
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4/26/2019 - danielbleier Likes this wine: 92 Points
consistent with prior notes
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4/12/2019 - MelroseCellars Likes this wine: 92 Points
Popped, aerated, poured. Quite tight on first sip, as expected. Opened up nicely within an hour, with all the fire gone. Still fruit forward, but not so much. The earthy balance is quite prominent, and it owns the finish, which is deep and long without being too sweet. I’d prefer a little more sweet through the finish but a great wine overall.
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1/29/2019 - rougeamore Likes this wine: 91 Points
Very balanced with nice acidity that made for a great pairing with lamb and beef. Aromas of dark fruit (blackberries and plum). Kind of a boomerang finish... absent for a while then coming back with some nice complexity. Drinking very well now. I wouldn’t let this age many (any) more years.
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1/18/2019 - danielbleier Likes this wine: 92 Points
Lovely, friendly wine with black and blue fruit, tobacco and licorice
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12/22/2018 - travelculture wrote: 89 Points
Good but never great. Not overly fruity and balance improved after grainy tannins receded after a couple hours of opening, but flavors remained congested. Drinkable now but I would hold in hopes of improvement.
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12/2/2018 - Slaz wrote: 91 Points
A good bottle from St. Emillion would be a much better wine for the same money spent, quite frankly. Tasted throughout several hours of decanting at varying temps. Fairly ripe, overall, with limited complexity; the fruit is overly rich, to my taste.
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12/1/2018 - VinoViking Likes this wine: 93 Points
Throw down vs. Cakebread. Heavier and bigger mouthfeel. Earthier with chalk and dark fruit. Rich and spicy. This guy was just a bit too much until the steak came. Then he did his job and reminded me why I keep buying this. Drinking well now.
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12/1/2018 - YankeeRobio Likes this wine: 95 Points
Great wine, great vintage for the Signature
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11/24/2018 - Bill Johnson wrote: 93 Points
Just a solid Cabernet from Napa. Cant agree with Parker. Very good, not great. Solid. Great for price dark fruit, just not many layers
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11/19/2018 - Skip4wine wrote: 93 Points
tasted from coravin against the 2004 to see what a decade can do. Both 14.9 ABV with none noticeable. Definitely they make the wine to the house style since they are very similar. Boysenberry and other black fruits. Definitely cali but not a fruit only wine. The big takeaway is the 2013 has a much bigger mouth feel and more depth and glycerin. No doubt the better wine but I loved the style consistency if you want to buy off years.
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10/14/2018 - John McCabe wrote: 92 Points
Pretty powerful, felt a bit congested - definitely needs more time. The fruit had an overt grainy sweetness.
Better on the 2nd day - more evolved and complete.
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9/9/2018 - sdrucker1000 wrote: 93 Points
No nonsense Napa cab. Nothing heavy handed or over the top. Just a solid well made cab. Great value.
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8/3/2018 - John McCabe wrote: 93 Points
Has a cool climate feel, fruit is not over-ripe, more reserved for the vintage than most. Classy.
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6/3/2018 - YankeeRobio Likes this wine: 95 Points
IMHO the best Signature Chappellet has ever made.
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6/3/2018 - John McCabe wrote: 93 Points
Decanted, slightly cool from the wine cabinet - almost felt like it was cool climate, it was so composed and restrained at first. Really classy - best Chappellet in a very long time. Took on more raciness and spice after a while.
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5/26/2018 - OWC wrote: 91 Points
What began as nothing very special evolved considerably over a couple of days. Well made wine. Hold for now.
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5/13/2018 - Nojomoschwa Likes this wine: 91 Points
Very classic Napa Cab, although a bit more sleek/modern a style than I was expecting.
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4/27/2018 - rmh66 wrote: 91 Points
Cassis, blueberry, earth, flowers, and hints of strawberry, bubble gum, lipstick, and oregano. Cassis, blueberry, boysenberry, earth, tart cherry, plum jam, and subtle herbs on the palate. Good acidity, fine but present tannins, medium-long finish. Big and delicious. This was a great bottle. I suspect it’ll age well, but it’s really drinkable right now.
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4/3/2018 - Canoehead Likes this wine: 92 Points
BYO to Glo w only $20 corkage. PnP'd and delighted all rellies on the first taste. Great aromatics of dark ripe to dark dried fruits. Some spice and tobacco as well on the nose. All carried thru on the palate with med-plus finish. Not overly complex but well-balanced. Delish with surf & turf. Currently $20 off list @ BC Liq Stores. V Good Value at this level of quality.
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2/2/2018 - Bro-rolo Likes this wine: 93 Points
I think we all know what $50-$75 Napa cabs taste like, and the Chapp Signature doesn't stray the course too much either, but what keeps us going back to the well for this one is that the sweetness is much more tempered and milder than a lot of it's peers. Not sure why anyone would want wine flavored coca-cola, but there must be plenty of them out there...
I bought a few 13s a couple years ago when they were released, and have been holding these until busting this one open just now. Put it into a decanter for 90 minutes, and was still tight when we started dinner. It definitely started to chill out after about hour 3 for the last couple of refills. At that point it was really good.
All that being said, it probably needs 2 more years to be really good with an hour or less decant, and probably could go another 10 years before fading, making a 93+ going up seem reasonable to me. RP gave it a 96 two years ago, so who am I to disagree? lol
-Bro-rolo
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12/11/2017 - Ry1028 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Dark Ruby and great on the nose. Blueberries, vanilla, plum, and florals. Full bodied with a long long finish. Tannins will rounded with a little bite still noticeable.
Overall enjoyable just left me wanting and hoping for more from this vintage. Better wines in this general price point.
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12/8/2017 - Deepdrop Likes this wine: 91 Points
I loved this wine on release but it seems to have lost something over the last 20 months. A bit more restrained than I remember but good nevertheless. Violets, black fruit, graphite and the beginnings of some earthiness. It definitely can be held for a number of years from now. I will take my time in opening additional bottles.
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12/3/2017 - YankeeRobio Likes this wine: 95 Points
Spectacular wine. Incredible body and depth. On the nose floral notes, and dark fruit notes. On the palate, blueberries, marionberry,
chocolate, and licorice. A decadent and hedonistic wine.
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11/12/2017 - AllRed wrote: 92 Points
Second Sunday Group: 2012 v 2013 Napa Cabernets (Our house): Chocolate, cassis and violet aromas. Firm, dense tannins with flavors of dark fruit and kirsch liqueur. Develops a subtle earthy note to complement the dark fruit, remaining tannic and firm, but with a long finish. Balanced, in spite of its size, as there's plenty of fruit here too. 92+ pts.
My #3, Domino's #3
Group #2, 33 pts
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11/3/2017 - OWC wrote: 91 Points
Enjoyable but ultimately a little disappointing. Opens with a fantastic fanfare of dark fruit and promise, but it soon becomes clear that the rest of the orchestral has already left the building. Missing some stuffing in the mid palate and beyond, but still a pleasant experience.
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10/12/2017 - yonster24 wrote:
Didn't take any formal notes on this as I had it a couple weeks ago and opened it for a friend. All I can really say about this is I remember thinking to myself "well s**t, probably should have waited a few more years.
Was super tight and we didn't give time to decant. WHOOPS!
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9/24/2017 - Slaz wrote: 91 Points
Notable improvement relative to a disjointed mess this wine tasted like back in 2016. Improved over several hours of decanting, revealing some graphite, cinnamon, and dark fruit notes. The complexity and finish, however, continues to be limited. Not the best Chappellet I've had over the years.
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9/3/2017 - Holdenculfield Likes this wine: 92 Points
I'll start off with I prefer mature reds. This has some serious potential. Decanted for 1 hour, consumed over an hour. Very balanced wine, fruit forward with good tannins. Glad I have 23 more bottles. Wait a year and try another.
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9/2/2017 - PSUSteve Likes this wine: 92 Points
Found on a restaurant list at a great price. PnP. Cherry and dark fruit with limited tannins in a fairly bold package. Good length on the finish.
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8/19/2017 - pvewino Likes this wine: 90 Points
Good wine, but you need to drink it during the sweet spot. 2 - 3 hours after opening. Before and it is too "vegetal" and tight. After and it is washed out. During the drinking window, you will be rewarded with flavors of cherry and dark fruit. Medium bodied with a long finish. I'm not sure additional cellaring will make a tremendous amount of difference. This is just a difficult year for this wine.
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8/9/2017 - AlexHop Likes this wine: 91 Points
Really good, not a superstar vintage? Intense with plenty of fruit.
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8/6/2017 - Kirk Grant wrote:
This smells a bit sweet on the nose. An opaque core with a ruby-tinged meniscus; served in a Zalto Universal glass. Scents of smoke, cassis, and beef jerky. The palate it a bit "slutty" and is a bit of a cross between a chocolate frappe and a blended-berry smoothie. I can see why people really like this style of wine...once a year or every 6-8 months. I have to be in a mood for it...tonight I thought I was...but I wasn't. It's still an Excellent wine.
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7/21/2017 - Otaku Oenophile wrote: 89 Points
2012 is certainly better or drinking better than the 2013 which seems like a shame to me.
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4/17/2017 - davidandrose Likes this wine:
Followed over two days, this really benefitted from 90 mins of air, opening up and showing black plum and other dark fruits, though some of the softness associated with '13s. Much better on day 1 (91+) but provided good inspiration to go out and buy a bunch of the '14 vintage the following day.
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3/25/2017 - iamandyc wrote: 89 Points
Tasted great after a flat LMR cab I drank the night before but in absolute terms was a bit short. Dark fruit with some secondary dirt and chocolate flavors. Some life on the finish with tannins and acidity. Drank better on second day as it opened up more overnight. Not seeing all the press excitement but small sample size.
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3/10/2017 - msuwine wrote: 89 Points
A savory and thick Cabernet-based blend that checks most of the boxes, but isn't that exciting. Purple in color, medium in body, nose of black cherry and baking spices. Brooding tastes of black cherry, graphite, and rosemary, with a finish that coats the mouth with tannins, in part because the acidity is quite low (i.e., not a lot of life in the wine). 14.9% alcohol. Blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Malbec, 5% Merlot, and 4% Petit Verdot. Perhaps this will blossom with time, but it's a little too inward and grippy for my taste.
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2/23/2017 - Badmonkey wrote: 90 Points
Drank this bottle over two days because it didn't appear ready on day one. Day two, some improvement but still somewhat underwhelming especially in light of Parker's 96 rating. Purple fruit - blackberry, blueberry, currants, and dark cherry. Smooth mid-palate with decent depth. A little rich and sweet - the blend shows. Solid finish but not overly long nor deep. In all, a solid cab for the price point and it's obviously young so I expect it to get better with more time; however, once again I'm surprised by the 96 rating from Parker. A very different cab blend in my opinion and it shows - 79% cab, 12% Malbec, 5% merlot, and 4% petit verdot
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2/1/2017 - Cuellar's Cellar Likes this wine: 91 Points
Night number 2 tonight. I will finish the bottle tonight. blueberry and blackberry aromas.
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1/11/2017 - WineGold wrote: 92 Points
If I would have scored this after the first night, I would have scored this in the 80s. It was disjointed and backward. Little fruit. Kind of dead. Not good. So we left 2/3 in the bottle for the next night. Only we were out that night so we didn't come back to it until night 3. And it was a completely different wine. Beautiful dark fruit, as I remember it at the winery and upon release. Great structure. Interesting. Compelling. So, what does this teach me? Do not try another bottle for at least a year, which is a really long time for me, as we like our wines young. But this bottle, on that day, had nothing happening upon opening. So, we wait.
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12/27/2016 - AnthonyCa Likes this wine: 92 Points
Silky, huge wine. Coats the glass with legs.
Some earthyness yet difficult to rate until it sits another 10 years.
Definite buy for the cellar.
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12/19/2016 - tshepard Likes this wine: 87 Points
Basic California Cabernet. Trusty but not special. Buy if price is right.
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11/6/2016 - beej Likes this wine:
Second stop on multi state run....
Sour cherry and pickled deli health salad w carrots on the generous nose.
Wine is tight and finish dependably short as '13 would suggest.
Fruit takes a back seat but the wine is clearly well structured.
Many years ahead for this offering.
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11/1/2016 - Mannie493 Likes this wine: 80 Points
A little young, age at least two or more years
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10/26/2016 - Woodbridge Brad Likes this wine: 88 Points
Typical big Napa Valley Cabernet, dark color, new oak, ripe fruit, it lacked finesse or personality. Possibly a bit young, it was fine with the steak but I am glad I didn't pay for it. Did not finish my second glass when dinner was over.
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10/17/2016 - Oakalot Likes this wine: 90 Points
Extremely smooth. This was a wonderful compliment to our grilled steak dinner!
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10/10/2016 - kingboo wrote: 92 Points
Needs at least a 1 hour decant. Rich with nice complexity.
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9/23/2016 - Slaz wrote: 91 Points
Underwhelming, especially for the price, most likely because too young. I've had prior vintages and was expecting something good from the 2013 of this wine. After an hour of decanting, tannins were still too intrusive with pronounced bitterness. Acidity is too low, to my taste, almost nonexistent. Mid-palate is yet too weak but could put more flesh with age. Overall, unbalanced and disappointing even if an easy drinker. Rating 91 for potential, more like NR right now.
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8/6/2016 - gregbohn Likes this wine: 92 Points
Nothing stands out for us (wife noted rose though), but well balanced and enjoyable.
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7/29/2016 - PMJak11 wrote: 91 Points
Have to think of Mark Stull every time you pop a bottle of Chappellet! Unfortunately it didn't stand up to the Paradigm last night. Decent nose, plenty of fruit, but either needs some age or some more refining. I enjoyed it, but better cabs at this price point.
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7/28/2016 - MPilot Likes this wine: 92 Points
Deep rich color in the glass.. Great fruit in this one... Soft and inviting yet with some complexity even young.
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7/4/2016 - chablis28 wrote: 92 Points
Slow ox for 2 hour prior to dinner after a couple pours into Riedel BDX glasses. Served at high 50s cellar temp which I think was smart with a 14.9% Alc wine. Dark Purple, almost black color with bright red edges. Nose shows fresh berries, smoke and hint of tobacco. Dark fruit, vanilla, chocolate, expresso and spice. This is very tasty and it didn't take us long to kill this with filet mignon kebobs. Tannins are mostly in check and oak is not overbearing. Not sure how well this would drink if served in the high 60s but we loved it in the high 50s/ low 60s. Plenty of concentration and depth for a $54 Cab. I'd like to try the current version of their top wine but not sure I want to pay the $130+ price tag to find out. Had there original Cabs on release from the late 60s vintages with my dad. Think those sold for around $10 in his store :).
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6/15/2016 - jaybird1234 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Dark subtle fruit. Subtle acidity. Drinking well.
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6/5/2016 - texanoblues Likes this wine: 91 Points
Dark magenta and clear in the glass. Open and expressive nose with: blackberry, blueberry, anise, and floral elements. Oak is in check and there are some espresso notes as well. Same on palate. Full and expansive mouthfeel with polished tannins and overall balanced structure. This one did require some air (overnight at 4C in stopped decanter). Initially it presented some alcoholic bite/heat.
While I thoroughly enjoyed this bottle, I have to say it would make MUCH more sense to label it as a blend, or meritage. The 12% Malbec is really, more than anything else, responsible for the color, aroma, palate feel, and character of the wine. I did like it, but it's a mistake to attribute its most appealing qualities to Cabernet, so why label it a Cabernet?
In most vintages, the wine is 76% CabernetSauvignon, while minimum required by CA is 75%, to be labeled as CabSauv. That ought to tell you something about Chappellet's strategy..........
So as far as offering a score.... I'd say 94-95, if it were presented as a red blend or meritage. Presented as a Cabernet, since it really doesn't showcase that grape, 91-92...
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5/26/2016 - ledocq Likes this wine: 92 Points
Nothing intelligent to add. Ordered off the menu at Saxon & Parole on the LES. More approachable than other '13s, but just as complex.
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5/25/2016 - ledwards wrote: 90 Points
Clearly has the bones to be a wonderful wine 5-10 years down the road but currently tight with some heat on the palate. With extended air, the trademark elegant and understated style of Chappellet starts to show itself thus this is worth aging. FWIW- 2007's are drinking great currently.
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5/8/2016 - Oakalot Likes this wine:
Had on 5/8/58. Mother's Day and Barb's birthday. Impromptu visit from Deb,Dan, and Karen from Buffalo. Becky up from NYC as a surprise for the weekend. Grandma Ruth here as well.
The wine tasted nice. Evenly balanced and soft tannins. Great to drink now. Nice body and mouth feel.
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4/23/2016 - gtm Likes this wine: 96 Points
2-3 years this wine will be spectacular. great Qpr for the quality
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3/24/2016 - Eric Guido Likes this wine: 93 Points
The nose showed a mix of dark red fruits and minerals offset by hints of vanilla, cocoa and clove. On the palate, it displayed silky textures with impeccable balance, showing red and black berries, spice and fine grain tannin that provided perfect grip. The finish was wonderfully long with a mix of red currant, spice, sweet herbs, and palate-coating tannin. A hint of blackberry bitterness lingered. The 2013 Signature was stunning today, but it should be even better in five years’ time.
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3/12/2016 - ivsimler Likes this wine: 90 Points
Delicious.
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3/11/2016 - Rktekt3 wrote: 90 Points
Very nicely made wine. Floral aromas, soft tannins, black fruit flavors. Could use some time to open up. $62 per at my local binnys, i think i can do better for the money.
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3/9/2016 - Deepdrop Likes this wine: 95 Points
There is not much to add to the other tasting notes. I concur that the wine is excellent. It markedly improves with some air. I am worried I will drink it all before it spends some time in the bottle where it will no doubt improve.
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3/4/2016 - DSR Likes this wine: 93 Points
Blackberries and blueberries, coffee, a touch of cedar. Great balance with lingering finish - excellent Napa cab.
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2/27/2016 - jwolf99 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Poured through aerator and still took an hour to start opening up but really needed two to three hours in the glass to really show its stuff. Once it did fully come around, aromas and flavors of cherries and rich, ripe fruits. Notes of earthy spices, vanilla and licorice. Tannins were in check even right out of the bottle making for a very smooth and silky mouth feel. Delicious.
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2/18/2016 - BigGDaddy Likes this wine: 92 Points
This is a beautiful Napa Cab. Fruity and floral nose with a touch of alcohol. A subtle flavor, berries and a nice finish. Very good balance and structure. Will continue to only get better. Well worth it. The vineyard is just as wonderful as this wine. Get some. Go there if you can.
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1/28/2016 - mikeywines Likes this wine: 95 Points
Spice box aromas with blackberry and coffee flavors that is a little short on length and with rough tannins in early 2016. It is more structured, dry and balanced than many Napa Cabs and should be much better by 2018
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1/25/2016 - Jeff Leve wrote: 93 Points
With freshness to the fruits, ripe tannins, concentration and an aromatic profile of wet earth, herbs, spice and dark black with red fruits, the wine is a winner.
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1/24/2016 - Mapleglo330 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Dark purple. Good fruit flavor. Tannins are big and smooth out over an hour or two. This is a plush wine that will knock of your socks. Suggest stashing this one away for a couple years.
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1/20/2016 - WineGold wrote: 94 Points
Unlike the last note, this time it was our only wine of the night and stood on its own. Basically, there is glory in this bottle. It's a huge, serious, layered, deep, rich wine that's ridiculous priced at $48 through the club. I bought a case initially, and just added six more. There's black and blue fruit here, big tannin, and plenty of oak. It needs hours in the decanter at this point. Drinkable immediately but this will improve for days with air, if we kept it around that long. I think it will improve in the bottle for 7 years easily, reaching a peak in 7-10, and will remain excellent for 20 years or more. Sensational effort, and for $48...unbelievable.
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1/15/2016 - Cuellar's Cellar Likes this wine: 90 Points
ANOTHER great from Chappellet.
The wine looks purple colored. The legs are medium. There is no sediment in the bottle. It smells like black currant (cassis), raspberry, plum and stoniness. It tastes like strawberry, medium toast and pine. The body is medium. The wine has juicy texture. The wine finishes long. The wine has medium acidity.
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1/13/2016 - melal41 Likes this wine: 95 Points
Completele agree with Outlier note.
This is a massive young cab that can be enjoyed early.
Has a tremendous potential.
Can be confused with high priced elite Cabs.
Highly recommended.
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1/13/2016 - John McCabe wrote: 94 Points
Tightly wound, polished tannins and layers of ripe dark fruit. Really dark and foreboding. This needs a few years to unfurl properly but it's clear that this is a real winner. This is a very serious, deep, penetrating cab with fantastic quality and nothing to apologize for. Excellent stuff. Drinkable now with decanting but a shame not to wait a few more years.
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1/7/2016 - Cristal2000 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Popped another bottle. Definitely needs time. My desire to consume needs to take a back seat, because this is youngster in every way. I think this is a terrific QPR, but at this point I don't see the 96 Parker bestowed up it. I'd say upside a few points. Quite tannic this time around and primal. Shouldn't be surprised given '13 vintage and mountain fruit.
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1/3/2016 - MAXIMUM SATISFACTION wrote: 92 Points
Good but not great. Didn't find a ton of depth or layers. Also, it posessed a certain sweet ting that can be found in much less expensive wines. Decanted 3 hours and rebottled/pumped to drink the next day. Not much improvement other than texture.
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12/27/2015 - Cristal2000 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Very promising bottle of wine. Gorgeous coming out of the bottle, with a deep ruby color and a beautiful, fragrant nose. Dark chocolate and licorice on the pallet, there is great complexity to this wine. Prichard Hill terroir to be sure. I believe this wine, like many '13's, needs some bottle age to truly show what it can do. It isn't "singing" at the moment, but certainly has the structure to last many, many years into the future. An exceptional vintage for this wine.
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12/20/2015 - WineGold Likes this wine: 94 Points
Possibly the best bottle of wine under $60 we've ever tasted.
This is an *exciting* wine.
It's softer and more approachable than the powerhouses we drank it with from Outpost and Mending Wall, but it held its own very well.
Good fruit, softer, smoother tannins, a more feminine expression than the Thomas Rivers Brown wines. It's more perfumey than those wines, but in a good way. This is definitely Pritchard Hill, but it doesn't punch you in your face. It grabs your face and says "concentrate."
Everyone around the table kept shaking our heads, saying how we can't believe this was just $48 through the wine club.
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12/20/2015 - bin905 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Generous nose. Vibrant and young. Give it some time in the cellar.
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12/13/2015 - Gestalted Likes this wine: 94 Points
Extraordinary. Nose is to die for. Leaps and bounds over past vintages.
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12/11/2015 - jmasterj Likes this wine:
Fresh and young. Chappellet's complexity is there. Fresh dark berry to cassis, warming oak tones, baking spices, black pepper and slight coffee. 2013's growing season is said to be as good, if not better than 2012. Laying down a 12 and 13 for side by side in a couple of years to tell the story of Pritchard Hill.
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11/28/2015 - Matt Scott Likes this wine: 92 Points
Gravel, braised meat, creosote, blackberry and stir fried mushrooms. Waves of flavor that lead towards a long, acidic finish. Shimmering, elastic tannins. This is on the same plain as something from Graves. Decant or wait. Drink 2018 - 2030.
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11/22/2015 - Catwoman17 wrote:
Nice and jammy. Notes of blackberry.
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10/28/2015 - rocknroller wrote: 92 Points
Tasting pour. Very impressive, much more open and inviting than the Mtn Cuvee. Very sleek, silky tannins, black and red fruits, dark mountain berries, hints of boysenberry, Medium full bodied, long. This will be really good. 92+(+)pts.
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