A nose of dark fruits and spice, dark garnet in color. A smooth medium to full bodied red, black cherry, plum, some smoke and spice on finish, drink now. www.winelx.com
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Lovely smooth mature Cali Napa cab. Still balanced, great w strong cheese and beef. Acids r there, fruit, oak is well integrated. Long life ahead as it enters secondary stage.
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Decanted and enjoyed over 3 hours. Not sure if this has peaked, but it is damn good where it is at today.
Rich, earth nose with violet/lilac overtones. Really smooth and integrated on the palate. Purple fruit with a little tartness (and acidity)... Fine grain tannins support a medium to long finish. Not overly complex, but it plays what it’s got to maximum enjoyment.
Bought this in 2011.... and it has proven to be worth the wait. Enjoy yours now.
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Very nice aged Napa cabernet. Decanted for about an hour. The fruit opened up nicely and it paired very well with beef tenderloin. Probably won't get any better, so drink it up!
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Found another bottle in my basement. This was very good, very dark color, good nose and medium body on the finish. With great rib-eye from Guido’s. Perfect cab with age, nothing over the top cal can. Very restraint and elegant. Sometimes i regret quitting the club in 2016 but the qpr was running away.
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Very nice, aged cab. Definitely showing its age. Red brick crimson color. Flat upon opening but opens nicely after 30-90 minutes of air. Did not decant. Aroma of tobacco and stewed plums. Tastes like leather and chocolate cherries, currants, a hint of vanilla and finishes long with some zippy acidity. Paired well with a T-bone steak. Would drink sooner rather than later.
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Decanted for an hour or so. Initially smelled of earth, leather, and anise without much fruit. By the time the decant was over, the strength of that had changed to show some dark fruit, fortunately, which was mirrored on the palate. Maybe not as good as I'd hoped, but very nice.
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Solid 91. Plenty of fruit left and enough tannins to hold it together. I suggest drinking now or within a year or so. After that may go out of balance.
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Same as a bottle six months ago. Tasted blind, I would never guess its age. Plenty of fruit left and still fairly balanced. Fairly rich, with a solid finish. It wasn't a religious experience, but it was a solid Napa cabernet at a very fair price (from the good old days when Donn was still alive and calling the shots).
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dam 2008...that year was cray...pretty much needed 10 years to forget that one lol...so now it's been 10 years...so go grab all the Napanomics 2008s you can get your hands on bc these things are done crying about the market crash and Boomer 401k losses and are ready to DRANK!! hapy phat toosday
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No reason to change my score. No signs of age and beautifully balanced right now. Nice, assertive nose - mostly currants. Currants and black cherries on the palate. Rich, full-bodied, with a very nice finish. Terrific wine for the money and holding up very well.
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Very dark and saturated. Knock-out nose of sweet vanilla-tinged oak creme de cassis. What the nose lacks in complexity, it makes up for in beauty. Very full-bodied and palate coating, this is again, somewhat simple but beautiful and powerful on the palate. Moderately tannic, but they're completely covered by the plush-textured fruit. Really fantastic in a straight-forward way, this is in a great place right now but should deliver drinking pleasure for up to a decade! Drink now-2026+ 92 df 9.3
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Decanted for around 30 minutes. Dark crimson color. Nose of cassis, blackberry, black currant, cedar cigar box and a bit of toasted oak spice on the back end. Similar flavors on the palate with spicy black fruit and integrated oak with a hint of caramel or toffee on the finish. Medium to medium+ acid, integrated sweet tannins and a smooth finish. Drinking very well and probably at or slightly past peak. Paired very well with a grilled NY strip.
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Opened (not decanted) about 60 to 90 minutes before tasting. No visible signs of age. Nice, assertive nose - mostly currants. Mostly black cherries on the palate, with minimal complexity (tobacco, graphite, etc.). Very rich, with big fruit and a flat-out terrific finish. Very well balanced, but the subdued tannins suggest it's at (or slightly beyond) its peak. Cost about half what I paid for a 2007 PlumpJack that I had recently, and it was at least twice as good (unless you really like vanilla lattes).
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I'm surprised to see it's been so long since my last bottle of the 08. It is better resolved, better integrated, good deep fruit. Chappellet's Signature is pretty consistent across vintages. No less here as well.
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This really benefitted from a few hours of air, as it seemed a bit reduced and muddled on opening. It blossomed into something more enjoyable, with stewed blackberries, coffee, and burnt ember on the palate. Finished with a touch of alcoholic warmth.
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In a sweet spot with red and dark fruit, leather, earth, and supple tannins. Exactly what I'm looking for in a balanced, somewhat mature Cab. Love the 2008 Napa Cabs and think this is an underrated vintage. Still has some mileage left, but drinking extremely well right now. Wish I had more. Upping my score a bit. 93+ pts. PJP 2016.
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Popped and poured. This is a dark red wine without a trace of sediment other than the very end of the last glass. On the nose, this has mint, cassis, chocolate, granite, and a bit of tobacco. In the mouth, this is very smooth and characterized by dark fruit, leaving a sweet finish loaded with flavor. Overall, this is a deep and rich cab that is in very nice shape right now. Nevertheless, this has the stuffing to go another decade or more. 92 points.
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this was really good. my kind of napa cab...super polished, well-balanced...medium bodied with medium complexity...dark fruit, black currant... with the right amounts of brick/cedar...more in the vein of older Mondavi reserve...nice finish. no complaints!
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Still spectacular! Drank our second bottle on our 16th anniversary night. So sweet and soft and luscious on tongue. Silky smooth, sweet fruit forward with hints of chocolate on the long, lasting finish. If all vintages are like this, great bargain I need to collect every year.
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Fantastic! We enjoyed a taste of this vintage at the winery last week, and just received our shipment and had to crack one bottle open. Decanted for about three hours. The color was deep, the nose was inviting with hints of black licorice and cigar, which carried through into the taste. Great balance of acidity and tannins, fruit and earth. The finish was long-lasting. I think this is a great wine for the price.
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Blizzard of '16. Faint blackberries, cedar and vanilla extract on the nose. Black fruit on a tense, acidic palate. Dry. Some vanilla and oak. Silky with some minerality. Finish is pretty long but a bit rustic and hint of tobacco. Whole isn't as good as the sum of its parts for me today
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Unfolds right in the glass out of the bottle in about 15-20 minutes these days, no need to decant this beauty, ripe fruit, round, velvety suppleness, softening tannin's. I have enjoyed watching this wine evolve over the years. One of my favorites of the decade from Chappellet. Drink Now.
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Decanted in glass for about 90 minutes. Beautiful garnet color with a nose of dark fruits, black currant and Asian spice. Really tasty, well made wine, with a long finish. This could age for another 3+ years, no problem.
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W sausage. Glad this turned fine. I was worried that i had a bad bunch of bottles but this just needed time to open up. Good solid mid weight cab. Make sure you give it two+ hours to open up. I'll wait for my last bottle until it is 10 yrs old
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Not sure if this was really bad or not so good. I believe the fruit was gone and this was just alcoholic beverage. Opened a second one which was a bit better, but still not what i expected. I also opened a Clone 7 from 2009. Maybe it was my palate but dont think so. Too bad.
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Deep ruby red color turning crimson at the rim with a transparent edge. The nose is utterly attractive showing hints of leather, meat, toasted oak on black fruit. The palate is full-bodied; denser than the 2006; and has shown significant maturation at tasting - exhibiting refined but gripping tannin whilst maintaining bright acidity. Flavors of black currant, smoke, graphite, espresso, dark chocolate, and herbaceous earth. Excellent for its elegance and multi-dimensional character. Finishes long with hints of peppered meat. Drink now until 2023. 92+
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What a brute. Big oak. Lots of tannin. Some blueberry/black fruit, but not a lot. Lots of wood textures—cigar box/tobacco. I’m looking for raw meat to go with this one. There is no denying, though, that this is a cab lover’s cab. I’m saying that this one will take years to calm down. Whether it will achieve the elegance of a great Bordeaux is unclear to me, but it could be a great ride.
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Dark, rich fruit with firm tannins. After an hour decant, other notes such as vanilla began to emerge. Long finish. Great partner for our grilled steak.
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Beefy, complex cab that still is drinking young. Dark in color and dark fruits with earthy, cocoa notes. got better with air and time in the glass/decanter.
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dense, concentrated, still lively, but with dense cocoa and black fruits complimented by violets. slightest hint of green astringency on finish. By the structure, excellent balanced Napa Cab, but by the aroma, a bit overdone and dull
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The wine looks purple colored. The legs are medium. There is no sediment in the bottle. It smells like cherry, black currant (cassis), cranberry and dust. It tastes like red currant, blueberry, cherry, light toast and vanilla. The body is medium/full. The wine has round texture. The wine finishes long. The wine has low acidity.
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On initial opening at room temp of 72F, this was overtly high in ethaol vapors but the fruit was solid, so back in the refrigerator for 20 minutes and then out for the rest. Seriously solid fruit core of cassis and deep red cheery and oak showing as dark chocolate and roasted coffee bean. Thick mouthfeel but the good acid to tannin ratio makes this a really enjoyable bottle of wine. Went well with strip streaks and grilled Zucchini and Summer Squash.
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Decent wine....consistent notes from December 2012. From 1.5L decanted 2 hours but changed little. cassis and graphite but a touch hot and a sharp edge that did not dissipate with time. Essentially the same from 18 months ago so I wonder if this will ultimately integrate. Decent value and paired nicely with ribeyes.
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This is my first bottle of a six pack I bought from the winery in January 2011. The '08 has improved since I tasted it at the winery. It is not as opulent as the '04 or '07 Signature Cab. BUT, it has more energy, balance, complexity, and character. I am just LOVING this wine tonight.
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Drinking really well right now. No formal notes. I was just enjoying the night, wine and the company. Feels like it's got some time left, but don't be shy to pop it open, decant it for an hour and enjoy. Sorry, shitty tasting note, but well made wine.
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Busted out the magnum for some close friends. Very smooth and nice black fruit. I really don't see this improving but should hold for at least five years. Doesn't have the complexity or finish to warrant a higher score. Still this is a solid effort and a great example of a deep and established Napa cab.
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Dangerously tasty and persistent. Others have perfectly identified the flavor profile. However, I disagree with the apparent consensus that this is mature, soft and ready to drink. My bottles have been in a cool cellar since purchase (from a temp-controlled store to boot). The tannins in this bottle made themselves clearly known (though not harsh). I'm going to sit on my other 2 bottles for at least 3 years, maybe 5-10. Still, great juice.
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Have only had 2-3 bottles from this producer but thet are always really good and makes me wonder "why don't I buy more from these guys"? Drinking very well right now with cassis, cedar and nice finish.
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Still young but benefited from an hour decant. Lots of potential. High alcohol effects the nose and hides the fruit. High tannins also will be fit from a year or 2 more in the bottle
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Aromas of fresh berries and violets jumped right out of the bottle even before the pour; Cherries and plum flavors up front and mid-palate. Great mouth-feel and tannins are in check. Very long finish with notes of black licorice, figs and dark roast coffee beans.
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I really enjoyed this, but it need a bit more cellar time. Decanted so the wine could warm up to drinking temperature. This was deep inky purple in the glass and had an elegant nose of black, blue fruit and violets towards the edges of the wine glass. In the mouth the wine had good acidity and mineral that beefed things up a bit, but the tastes of cassis, blackberry and dark plum, mixed with a bit of black cherry. Initial nuances are starting to form including some baking spice and mocha with a touch of vanilla. A bit of loamy earth as well. For a $30 Napa Cab, this was so smooth in its tannins, very silky. The finish was decent in length and the fruits/vanilla remained in my thoughts for over a minute. It paired nicely with grilled steak on top of mushroom risotto.
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No formal notes taken as this was drank toward the end of the night but this was a big, smooth Napa cab. Could have probably benefited from a decanting or some air time but otherwise, this wine is ready to drink.
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An Evening of Chappellet 1/25/2013 2003 Chappellet Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Signature - 90 30 mins decant drinking wonderfully still youthful amazing wine 2004 Chappellet Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Signature - 91 lush 30 mins decanted mouth coating red fruit gentle wine 2005 Chappellet Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Signature - 93 Home Run WOTN - wow fruit structure and mojo 2006 Chappellet Vineyard Mountain Cuvee - 88 Solid mellow cuvee more oak than fruit 2007 Chappellet Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Signature - 92 Outstanding - some citrus? But a long finish...great nose 2008 Chappellet Vineyard Mountain Cuvee - 90 Delightful probably right in the peak of drinking window 2008 Chappellet Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Signature 91 - Big wine, red fruit, cider, vanilla....love this wine 2010 Chappellet Vineyard Mountain Cuvee "Cervantes" 87 - Tannic needs a longer decant or cellar nap still enjoyable
Nice big wine with dark mountain fruit profile. The color is super dark, the palate is rich with dark fruits and a hint of caramel. This has intensity and balance, and is drinking very well now.
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Cabernet Sauvignon 77% Malbec 9% Petit Verdot 5% Merlot 9%
Opened this wine in celebration of the end of campaign 2012 which has been going for - it would seem - YEARS.
Popped in cellar to breathe for several hours. Then warm up for a little less than an hour.
Dark red in the glass with lumpy sweet cherry notes on the nose. Flavors of dark dark cherry framed by a nice tannic dustiness and a hint of…strawberry? or raspberry?
Very tasty, will wait another year or so to open the next one.
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Solid wine. Uncorked with a nice dark stain on the extremely tight cork! (thought this one was going to break). 80% of this bottle was consumed pop and pour - the remaining 20 percent sat for about 90 minutes in the bottle. First impression - black, inky nose, restrained fruit. Nose in the glass was really about the same. On the palate however, was a bit different. The palate was all about the dark, black currant mountain fruit. Now, this is nice, but the Pritchard Hill Estate Cab is about a million times more dense. There was a light vanilla front that blew off to black currant, some mocha in the mid-palate, but this is all about the mountain fruit. Finished with a tannic backbone that was softer than I anticipated at this 2008 age. Really a very nice wine. If I could afford to drink this every night, it would be the go to. Nice full bodied Signature Cab from Chappellet.
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With veal chop fm bbq. Very cali cab but great all around, fruit, body and length. Vanil tones with dark cherry taste. Just yummy. Great now but probably excelllent 5 yrs from now. It will come together.
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Bought off a restaurant list at basically retail. Decanted and drank over 90 minutes. Dark fruit, earth on the palate. Well balanced and smooth with decent length. Would love to see this with a longer decant or in a few years.
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this was an excellent wine and worth the $$ - it was uninspiring as far as most memorable, but will enjoy the other 2 bottles - good for a few more years and should get better in a friendly way. It was tough right out of the bottle - high alcohol - tannic - but started to chill out after about a half hour. It really started to become smoother. Drank after two hours. Dark brooding fruits - anise, stewed dark berries, slight chocalate, friendly mouthfeel and a finish that was very appropriate in length. It took a sip or two to be welcoming to the pallet and would go great with steak or any big meat. Perhaps a 90 is in it's future - needs a little more time.
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Popped and poured at Luger's with the steak for 3. Just not enough time. Solid dark fruits, tobacco flavors..definitely from California. Good for $40 retail.
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Popped and let breathe in the bottle for several hours.
Initial pour shows dark ruby red from rim to rim; a smooth sheen coats the glass with very few legs. The nose reveals lots of dark berry fruit with a hint of spiciness; there is also a bit of a nutty character - walnut? - as well.
On the palate, a distinct dustiness follows an explosion of fruit; the dustiness lingers with the fruit on the finish. As the wine opens up, Dino begins to snork a bit in anticipation. Dino loves his vino!
Very nice round fruit that rolls around on the palate, but the wine lacks the depth I would think the “Signature” should have - this wine is on a par with the ’07 Mountain Cuvée as of now; we’ll see as it develops further. It could just be that it is too young in which case: my bad.
On day 2 the wine is about the same with nice smooth fruits rolling on the palate and lingering on the finish. I must say I’m a tad disappointed as I had extrapolated from the ’07 Mountain Cuvée that the ’08 Signature would be quite a bit more tasty. I’ll try one of my ’07 Signatures this winter and see how that compares, perhaps ’08 is just more closed at this point although IIRC ’08 was a more forward year for Napa Cabs…
The finish is really really nice though; I can taste dark cherry and a réprise of the dustiness a full minute after my last sip, so I’m thinking I just drank this too soon. Dino is not pleased! We’ll have to consider the drinking window a little more carefully in the future.
90+; Hold for now and drink after 2012
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Domestic New Releases Tasting (Binny's, St. Charles): Inky garnet color. Perfumed black fruit and floral aromas; hints of underbrush with air. Nice weight on the palate. Flavors of red fruit, vanilla and spice; finishes nicely. $44.99.
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Pop and poured. Berry, vanilla and a hint of oak in the nose and taste. The tannins were softer, the wine was well balanced, and it had a medium length finish. I found it very approachable for such a young wine that did not need decanting. Had a deliciousness factor that made it very popular with a group of non-wine drinking customers. 91+
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Still a little early, needs some more time in the cellar. Full body, very enjoyable, a little tight although opened up during the course of the evening.
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Had this at season's 52 last night. Dark purple with sweet vanilla, blackberry and boysenberry. Syrupy and viscous, this wine could have been our dessert.
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Have had several of these now. really nice wine, good solid value. great fruit and you also get a sense for the precision and purity that is usually reserved for the pritchard hill.
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Nose of blackberry an some hints of blueberry. Concentrated red and black fruits with hints of herbs and spices. Roasted coffee and chocolate tones. Rich tannins provide great structure. - Tasted at winery 12/30/10
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Always a favorite Cab for under $50. Shows oak, vanilla, cherry, spice and minerals. Good concentration on the palate and medium, intense finish. This should get better with some time in the cellar.
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Chappellet Vertical 2000-2008 (The Twelves, West Grove PA): Rich black fruits, coffee and chocolate. While I'll liked the 06 quite a bit, I enjoyed this for its primary fruit. It also showed more complexity than the 07 with its cofee and chocolate notes. #2 in the flight for me but I enjoyed it quite a bit.
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Tasted at the winery. Graphite, lavendar, cassis, blueberry, and tobacco on the nose. Lots of savory notes on the palate- cedar and leather, with cassis and currant. Round approachable tannins and a longish finish. A little more straight forward and less complex than the 2006 I had recently, but very nice.
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Stands up to the 2006! I almost lost my head here thinking Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon, and layers of fruit in this mountain bomb. This is a well-structured wine, a little intense right away, but just flows effortlessly on the palate for 1-2 minutes. Concentrated and rich, this wine shows what Chappellet stands for and the firm, leathery tannins leave you reaching for the glass more often. Resist and you will be drinking a beauty within 30-45 minutes as if you opened a 5 year aged bottle. Salute!
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chappellet wine dinner. $43. this wine has some history, and i wish i understood better how it evolved to this, an overtly simple, sweet tannin, toasted oak blob of disappointing fruit. this is the wine you hang your family hat on? whoa. i can't grasp the concept of the so called fabulous terroir translating into this. methinks they need to refocus.
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17th Annual Central Carolina Food and Wine Festival (Medallion Center, Columbia, SC.): I think it may be possible to discern particular flavor, aroma, and mouth feel characteristics from Pritchart Hill in the same manner we do for say, Stags Leap, or Rutherford. I have not tried enough of these to make definitive conclusions, but I am getting a powdery earth, rocky, and mineral profile that may be unique. Would be fun to do some serious research. The rest of this wine is textbook premium Napa Valley Cabernet. Dark. Full bodied. The small amounts of Bordeaux blending varietals add some texture and flavor. Focused dark fruit with interesting and enhancing non fruit components. Rich. Refined tannins. You get no indication that the alcohol is 14.9%. Ripe finish.
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Predictably Californian in its ponderous, smoky, blackberry-drugged way. Somewhat thick on the palate, low acid. I couldn't even make it swing with a steak and that's not a good sign. Wins a truth in advertising award with 14.9% ABV on the label, assuming that's accurate, cause it tastes like more to me.
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Shocking! That's the word. This 08 vintage is surprisingly drinkable. Giving it 93 for the value. Dark rich jammy cherry and cocoa with a well balanced creaminess and smooth long finish I didn't expect for this price point. The controlled oak and vanilla from this 08 comes off as very pleasant and enjoyable. Thank you Phil!
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Dark purple in color. Aromas of raspberry, blackberry, along with cola and some clove. Palate with present but soft tannins and nice moderate finish. Moderate complexity but not much layering. May yet be a little young.
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Tasted at the winery. I have been enjoying the Chappellet Signature Cab for several years. I still have bottles of '04 thru '07 in the cellar. This was my first taste of the '08. I really liked it and wrote down a numerical score, but didn't make notes to report. I bought a six pack.
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Sacrificed a bottle toward the end of a night of many Cali wines and was not able to assess the wine. Very primary and grapey at this stage with some big, dry tannins. I will not touch another bottle for 2-3 years.
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Made from a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Malbec, 9% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot this wine shows a bright purple colour. I found jammy berry fruit and toasty oak aromas on the nose. The palate started out a little austere, but mellowed in the glass. Medium to full in body I found savoury, earthy, menthol characters with nice French oak and a very dry finish.
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This Vineyard never disappoints me. I have a great fondness for Chappellet and often times becomes my go to wine. Very deep in color, ruby. The nose had spice, fruit and great elegance. The wine was velvety and smooth but still had tannins and acid. Traces of blueberries and rasberries and vanilla. Really enjoyed this wine. Will be great for many years to come.
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11/24/2023 - Blinfas Does not like this wine: 89 Points
Past peak.
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11/8/2023 - nzinkgraf wrote:
From Mag. Garnet color, no browning. Very meaty/iodine aromas, with deep blackberry notes. Medium plus acid, light tannin remains.
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10/8/2023 - corkscrews Likes this wine: 92 Points
A nose of dark fruits and spice, dark garnet in color. A smooth medium to full bodied red, black cherry, plum, some smoke and spice on finish, drink now. www.winelx.com
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2/21/2022 - tplskylrk wrote:
Lovely smooth mature Cali Napa cab. Still balanced, great w strong cheese and beef. Acids r there, fruit, oak is well integrated. Long life ahead as it enters secondary stage.
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4/30/2021 - Ecoenophile wrote: 92 Points
Decanted and enjoyed over 3 hours. Not sure if this has peaked, but it is damn good where it is at today.
Rich, earth nose with violet/lilac overtones. Really smooth and integrated on the palate. Purple fruit with a little tartness (and acidity)... Fine grain tannins support a medium to long finish. Not overly complex, but it plays what it’s got to maximum enjoyment.
Bought this in 2011.... and it has proven to be worth the wait. Enjoy yours now.
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11/19/2020 - JSolo Likes this wine: 92 Points
Much better than expected. Drinking great now.
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10/27/2020 - IndyTom Likes this wine: 92 Points
Very nice aged Napa cabernet. Decanted for about an hour. The fruit opened up nicely and it paired very well with beef tenderloin. Probably won't get any better, so drink it up!
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5/30/2020 - MichielV wrote: 90 Points
Found another bottle in my basement. This was very good, very dark color, good nose and medium body on the finish. With great rib-eye from Guido’s. Perfect cab with age, nothing over the top cal can. Very restraint and elegant. Sometimes i regret quitting the club in 2016 but the qpr was running away.
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5/6/2020 - BillyRayValentine wrote: 90 Points
Very nice, aged cab. Definitely showing its age. Red brick crimson color. Flat upon opening but opens nicely after 30-90 minutes of air. Did not decant. Aroma of tobacco and stewed plums. Tastes like leather and chocolate cherries, currants, a hint of vanilla and finishes long with some zippy acidity. Paired well with a T-bone steak. Would drink sooner rather than later.
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2/8/2020 - pickhardt wrote: 90 Points
Decanted for an hour or so. Initially smelled of earth, leather, and anise without much fruit. By the time the decant was over, the strength of that had changed to show some dark fruit, fortunately, which was mirrored on the palate. Maybe not as good as I'd hoped, but very nice.
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12/11/2019 - Marshmallowman Likes this wine: 93 Points
Delicious with wonderful licorice undertones.
Very berry with blackberry, currant and anise.
Full bodied, well balanced ... firm but delicate!
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12/7/2019 - LCHammer Likes this wine: 91 Points
Solid 91. Plenty of fruit left and enough tannins to hold it together. I suggest drinking now or within a year or so. After that may go out of balance.
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4/27/2019 - Night Train Likes this wine: 91 Points
Same as a bottle six months ago. Tasted blind, I would never guess its age. Plenty of fruit left and still fairly balanced. Fairly rich, with a solid finish. It wasn't a religious experience, but it was a solid Napa cabernet at a very fair price (from the good old days when Donn was still alive and calling the shots).
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3/5/2019 - Bro-rolo Likes this wine: 94 Points
dam 2008...that year was cray...pretty much needed 10 years to forget that one lol...so now it's been 10 years...so go grab all the Napanomics 2008s you can get your hands on bc these things are done crying about the market crash and Boomer 401k losses and are ready to DRANK!! hapy phat toosday
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10/20/2018 - Night Train Likes this wine: 91 Points
No reason to change my score. No signs of age and beautifully balanced right now. Nice, assertive nose - mostly currants. Currants and black cherries on the palate. Rich, full-bodied, with a very nice finish. Terrific wine for the money and holding up very well.
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9/10/2018 - WineGuyX Likes this wine: 92 Points
Very dark and saturated. Knock-out nose of sweet vanilla-tinged oak creme de cassis. What the nose lacks in complexity, it makes up for in beauty. Very full-bodied and palate coating, this is again, somewhat simple but beautiful and powerful on the palate. Moderately tannic, but they're completely covered by the plush-textured fruit. Really fantastic in a straight-forward way, this is in a great place right now but should deliver drinking pleasure for up to a decade! Drink now-2026+ 92 df 9.3
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6/24/2018 - Rich S Likes this wine: 92 Points
Decanted for around 30 minutes. Dark crimson color. Nose of cassis, blackberry, black currant, cedar cigar box and a bit of toasted oak spice on the back end. Similar flavors on the palate with spicy black fruit and integrated oak with a hint of caramel or toffee on the finish. Medium to medium+ acid, integrated sweet tannins and a smooth finish. Drinking very well and probably at or slightly past peak. Paired very well with a grilled NY strip.
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6/11/2018 - Night Train Likes this wine: 91 Points
Opened (not decanted) about 60 to 90 minutes before tasting. No visible signs of age. Nice, assertive nose - mostly currants. Mostly black cherries on the palate, with minimal complexity (tobacco, graphite, etc.). Very rich, with big fruit and a flat-out terrific finish. Very well balanced, but the subdued tannins suggest it's at (or slightly beyond) its peak. Cost about half what I paid for a 2007 PlumpJack that I had recently, and it was at least twice as good (unless you really like vanilla lattes).
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5/1/2018 - vinomex wrote: 92 Points
Aged very nicely, needs 30-45 mins to open up. Everything is well integrated, fruit is mellow. Drink now, no need to age further.
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3/25/2018 - ctjared Likes this wine:
Drinking very nicely. Good dark fruit and pepper, long finish.
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2/15/2018 - JackCMac Likes this wine: 94 Points
Great nose and depth. Group of 6 (3 couples) were very complentary to this wine enjoy now!
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1/30/2018 - kcp Likes this wine: 92 Points
I'm surprised to see it's been so long since my last bottle of the 08. It is better resolved, better integrated, good deep fruit. Chappellet's Signature is pretty consistent across vintages. No less here as well.
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1/17/2018 - EMTAME wrote: 90 Points
This really benefitted from a few hours of air, as it seemed a bit reduced and muddled on opening. It blossomed into something more enjoyable, with stewed blackberries, coffee, and burnt ember on the palate. Finished with a touch of alcoholic warmth.
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8/22/2017 - shellylowen Likes this wine: 92 Points
Plum nose, blackberry, satin tannins, with a long finish. A little too much alcohol on the finish.
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4/29/2017 - MelroseCellars Likes this wine: 91 Points
Very good. Not as memorable as past bottles. Perhaps because it was over-shadowed by the wine of the night: hall 1873.
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3/7/2017 - Paradigm Media Likes this wine: 90 Points
Drinking beautifully
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3/4/2017 - toddleone wrote: 94 Points
Tasting well. Fruit forward. Still tasting young. Will be great in two to three more years.
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1/8/2017 - swade wrote: 91 Points
Dark, primary color. Black fruits and oak spice. Still has some fine, light tannins to resolve. This will be even nicer in a couple of years. 91
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12/7/2016 - Alfaro wrote: 93 Points
BIG RED! In my opinion it still needs a couple more years or a long decant, developing extremely well!!!!!
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12/2/2016 - TKS9 wrote: 90 Points
Needs a good amount of air for the heat to dissipate. Much improved on day 2.
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11/12/2016 - ppaluszewski Likes this wine: 94 Points
In a sweet spot with red and dark fruit, leather, earth, and supple tannins. Exactly what I'm looking for in a balanced, somewhat mature Cab. Love the 2008 Napa Cabs and think this is an underrated vintage. Still has some mileage left, but drinking extremely well right now. Wish I had more. Upping my score a bit. 93+ pts. PJP 2016.
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11/5/2016 - whitmanlholt Likes this wine: 92 Points
Popped and poured. This is a dark red wine without a trace of sediment other than the very end of the last glass. On the nose, this has mint, cassis, chocolate, granite, and a bit of tobacco. In the mouth, this is very smooth and characterized by dark fruit, leaving a sweet finish loaded with flavor. Overall, this is a deep and rich cab that is in very nice shape right now. Nevertheless, this has the stuffing to go another decade or more. 92 points.
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10/29/2016 - richshoes Likes this wine: 95 Points
this was really good. my kind of napa cab...super polished, well-balanced...medium bodied with medium complexity...dark fruit, black currant... with the right amounts of brick/cedar...more in the vein of older Mondavi reserve...nice finish. no complaints!
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10/8/2016 - MelroseCellars Likes this wine: 95 Points
Still spectacular! Drank our second bottle on our 16th anniversary night. So sweet and soft and luscious on tongue. Silky smooth, sweet fruit forward with hints of chocolate on the long, lasting finish. If all vintages are like this, great bargain I need to collect every year.
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8/2/2016 - bugdoced Likes this wine: 93 Points
dark fruit with an elegant long length
new world nuances present but not a fruit vanilla oak bomb
delicious
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5/7/2016 - MelroseCellars Likes this wine: 94 Points
Fantastic! We enjoyed a taste of this vintage at the winery last week, and just received our shipment and had to crack one bottle open. Decanted for about three hours. The color was deep, the nose was inviting with hints of black licorice and cigar, which carried through into the taste. Great balance of acidity and tannins, fruit and earth. The finish was long-lasting. I think this is a great wine for the price.
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4/8/2016 - armenm72 Likes this wine: 94 Points
Delicious and drinking beautifully. Structured
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3/19/2016 - ppaluszewski Likes this wine: 92 Points
Drinking well right now and will continue to do so for the next couple of years. No detailed notes, but recorded 92-93 pts. PJP 2016.
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1/23/2016 - iamandyc wrote: 89 Points
Blizzard of '16. Faint blackberries, cedar and vanilla extract on the nose. Black fruit on a tense, acidic palate. Dry. Some vanilla and oak. Silky with some minerality. Finish is pretty long but a bit rustic and hint of tobacco. Whole isn't as good as the sum of its parts for me today
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1/20/2016 - kcsteve Likes this wine: 90 Points
A bit more extracted than I thought it would be. Oak & blackberries. Velvety tannins and balanced acidity.
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1/17/2016 - miamijosh wrote: 92 Points
Unfolds right in the glass out of the bottle in about 15-20 minutes these days, no need to decant this beauty, ripe fruit, round, velvety suppleness, softening tannin's. I have enjoyed watching this wine evolve over the years. One of my favorites of the decade from Chappellet. Drink Now.
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1/15/2016 - oenophilemoose wrote: 90 Points
Decanted two hours. Soft and round, ripe fruit and restrained tannins. Nothing exceptional.
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1/10/2016 - bluehorseshoe wrote: 92 Points
Decanted in glass for about 90 minutes. Beautiful garnet color with a nose of dark fruits, black currant and Asian spice. Really tasty, well made wine, with a long finish. This could age for another 3+ years, no problem.
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11/29/2015 - bugdoced Likes this wine: 91 Points
opened thanksgiving appetizers with tart and dark fruit and a tightness on the tannins that softened quickly
yum
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10/28/2015 - Janstan Likes this wine: 91 Points
Cassis, black cherry, blackberry, tobacco, licorice, graphite. probably at peak
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10/20/2015 - John McCabe wrote: 92 Points
Medium to full-bodied, a slight dry minerality on the palate. Very pleasant and drinking well.
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10/4/2015 - MichielV wrote: 89 Points
W sausage. Glad this turned fine. I was worried that i had a bad bunch of bottles but this just needed time to open up. Good solid mid weight cab. Make sure you give it two+ hours to open up. I'll wait for my last bottle until it is 10 yrs old
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10/3/2015 - MichielV wrote: flawed
Not sure if this was really bad or not so good. I believe the fruit was gone and this was just alcoholic beverage. Opened a second one which was a bit better, but still not what i expected. I also opened a Clone 7 from 2009. Maybe it was my palate but dont think so. Too bad.
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8/27/2015 - Life At Your Leisure 🍷 wrote: 92 Points
Deep ruby red color turning crimson at the rim with a transparent edge. The nose is utterly attractive showing hints of leather, meat, toasted oak on black fruit. The palate is full-bodied; denser than the 2006; and has shown significant maturation at tasting - exhibiting refined but gripping tannin whilst maintaining bright acidity. Flavors of black currant, smoke, graphite, espresso, dark chocolate, and herbaceous earth. Excellent for its elegance and multi-dimensional character. Finishes long with hints of peppered meat. Drink now until 2023. 92+
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7/1/2015 - jimmyrice14 wrote: 92 Points
Still great, in fact maybe just coming into it's own.
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5/29/2015 - klaberdog wrote: 93 Points
- Garnet color.
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5/20/2015 - tim m wrote: 91 Points
Black fruit. Medium finish. Drinking nicely right now. I did not decant and it was fine from the start although it did improve over a couple hours.
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5/16/2015 - EMark Likes this wine:
What a brute. Big oak. Lots of tannin. Some blueberry/black fruit, but not a lot. Lots of wood textures—cigar box/tobacco. I’m looking for raw meat to go with this one. There is no denying, though, that this is a cab lover’s cab. I’m saying that this one will take years to calm down. Whether it will achieve the elegance of a great Bordeaux is unclear to me, but it could be a great ride.
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5/15/2015 - westcoastwannabe wrote: 91 Points
Dark, rich fruit with firm tannins. After an hour decant, other notes such as vanilla began to emerge. Long finish. Great partner for our grilled steak.
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3/8/2015 - richardkim wrote: 91 Points
Dark in personality. Blackcurrant, hint of smoke, with firm tannins. Silky body and long finish.
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2/23/2015 - shellylowen Likes this wine: 91 Points
Nice toasty nose, medium body and very dry and tannic. Lond finish. Dark fruit, eucalyptus, tobacco.
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12/28/2014 - iamandyc Likes this wine: 92 Points
Beefy, complex cab that still is drinking young. Dark in color and dark fruits with earthy, cocoa notes. got better with air and time in the glass/decanter.
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11/19/2014 - JS199 wrote: 92 Points
A fun and enjoyable cabernet. Tannins have been shed and this is drinking very well. Smooth, plush, and friendly(open). Not over extracted in anyway.
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11/15/2014 - vintage_whine wrote:
dense, concentrated, still lively, but with dense cocoa and black fruits complimented by violets. slightest hint of green astringency on finish. By the structure, excellent balanced Napa Cab, but by the aroma, a bit overdone and dull
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10/20/2014 - JPH104 wrote:
Nice restrained expression. Drinking well.
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9/21/2014 - Alcontd wrote: 92 Points
The wine looks purple colored. The legs are medium. There is no sediment in the bottle. It smells like cherry, black currant (cassis), cranberry and dust. It tastes like red currant, blueberry, cherry, light toast and vanilla. The body is medium/full. The wine has round texture. The wine finishes long. The wine has low acidity.
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8/26/2014 - Champagneinhand Likes this wine: 92 Points
On initial opening at room temp of 72F, this was overtly high in ethaol vapors but the fruit was solid, so back in the refrigerator for 20 minutes and then out for the rest. Seriously solid fruit core of cassis and deep red cheery and oak showing as dark chocolate and roasted coffee bean. Thick mouthfeel but the good acid to tannin ratio makes this a really enjoyable bottle of wine. Went well with strip streaks and grilled Zucchini and Summer Squash.
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8/24/2014 - Pcrage wrote: 90 Points
Decent wine....consistent notes from December 2012. From 1.5L decanted 2 hours but changed little. cassis and graphite but a touch hot and a sharp edge that did not dissipate with time. Essentially the same from 18 months ago so I wonder if this will ultimately integrate. Decent value and paired nicely with ribeyes.
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8/10/2014 - danielbleier Likes this wine: 92 Points
The best of the small Chappellet vertical we sampled, dried berry, graphite, and vibrant minerality
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6/26/2014 - Wink Likes this wine: 94 Points
This is my first bottle of a six pack I bought from the winery in January 2011. The '08 has improved since I tasted it at the winery. It is not as opulent as the '04 or '07 Signature Cab. BUT, it has more energy, balance, complexity, and character. I am just LOVING this wine tonight.
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4/16/2014 - Surfdoc wrote: 87 Points
Dry cassis, firm tannins and lots of oak.
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4/12/2014 - knuckles1970 wrote: 93 Points
Drinking really well right now. No formal notes. I was just enjoying the night, wine and the company. Feels like it's got some time left, but don't be shy to pop it open, decant it for an hour and enjoy. Sorry, shitty tasting note, but well made wine.
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3/11/2014 - kcp Likes this wine: 93 Points
Even better than the last bottle from February.
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2/24/2014 - jfurey21 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Busted out the magnum for some close friends. Very smooth and nice black fruit. I really don't see this improving but should hold for at least five years. Doesn't have the complexity or finish to warrant a higher score. Still this is a solid effort and a great example of a deep and established Napa cab.
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2/23/2014 - tenor12bucks Likes this wine: 92 Points
Dangerously tasty and persistent. Others have perfectly identified the flavor profile. However, I disagree with the apparent consensus that this is mature, soft and ready to drink. My bottles have been in a cool cellar since purchase (from a temp-controlled store to boot). The tannins in this bottle made themselves clearly known (though not harsh). I'm going to sit on my other 2 bottles for at least 3 years, maybe 5-10. Still, great juice.
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2/12/2014 - kcp Likes this wine: 92 Points
coming along nicely--maturing more quickly than I had thought. Typical Chappallet Signature profile.
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1/26/2014 - Janstan Likes this wine: 90 Points
Went extemely well with rib roast. Cassis, black cherry, blackberry. Soft tannins, drinking well right now
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1/11/2014 - Arch57 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Have only had 2-3 bottles from this producer but thet are always really good and makes me wonder "why don't I buy more from these guys"?
Drinking very well right now with cassis, cedar and nice finish.
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1/5/2014 - Mannm24 wrote: 89 Points
Still young but benefited from an hour decant. Lots of potential. High alcohol effects the nose and hides the fruit. High tannins also will be fit from a year or 2 more in the bottle
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12/22/2013 - Oenophile 27518 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Decanted for an hour, and then served with a prime rib roast dinner. Wonderful combination!
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12/18/2013 - Drink&Trade wrote: 92 Points
Drinking great. Chocolate, cedar. Well done.
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12/4/2013 - cdmoky wrote: 92 Points
Always love this wine
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11/24/2013 - garygailkrivan Likes this wine: 93 Points
This is becoming so much better since I tasted at the winery and made my purchase.
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11/20/2013 - rhialto wrote: 93 Points
Earthy. Smooth. Good juice - esp. for the price.
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9/20/2013 - Rich S Likes this wine: 92 Points
Dark and rich cab with ripe black fruits, butterscotch and toasted oak. Nicely balanced wine with medium acid and medium+ sweet tannins.
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9/6/2013 - km5 wrote:
Awesome. Drank this couple months ago
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8/17/2013 - jwolf99 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Aromas of fresh berries and violets jumped right out of the bottle even before the pour; Cherries and plum flavors up front and mid-palate. Great mouth-feel and tannins are in check. Very long finish with notes of black licorice, figs and dark roast coffee beans.
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7/2/2013 - kleinahoe Likes this wine: 92 Points
Smooth and balanced.
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5/27/2013 - Foodievines Likes this wine: 91 Points
Exquisite wine, great dark fruit, anise and a great finish. Nice and plush.
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4/21/2013 - Venezia wrote: 91 Points
Dark berry nose. Deep purple on color with blueberry and dark cherry, earthy. Nice
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4/14/2013 - emf Likes this wine:
Dark red in color with aromas of fruit. This was a smooth wine with lots of dark cherry and smooth tannins that hung on the palate.
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3/21/2013 - Champagneinhand wrote: 91 Points
I really enjoyed this, but it need a bit more cellar time. Decanted so the wine could warm up to drinking temperature. This was deep inky purple in the glass and had an elegant nose of black, blue fruit and violets towards the edges of the wine glass. In the mouth the wine had good acidity and mineral that beefed things up a bit, but the tastes of cassis, blackberry and dark plum, mixed with a bit of black cherry. Initial nuances are starting to form including some baking spice and mocha with a touch of vanilla. A bit of loamy earth as well. For a $30 Napa Cab, this was so smooth in its tannins, very silky. The finish was decent in length and the fruits/vanilla remained in my thoughts for over a minute. It paired nicely with grilled steak on top of mushroom risotto.
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3/19/2013 - ctjared Likes this wine:
Mostly red fruit, but some black with a touch of menthol and chewy tannins. Long finish is surprising.
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3/13/2013 - levinml wrote: 93 Points
This was really good. Down the middle of the fairway, with everything in balance and good flavors. Nothing exotic, just good, serious wine for $40
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2/8/2013 - Rich S Likes this wine: 91 Points
No formal notes taken as this was drank toward the end of the night but this was a big, smooth Napa cab. Could have probably benefited from a decanting or some air time but otherwise, this wine is ready to drink.
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1/31/2013 - redman77 wrote: 91 Points
An Evening of Chappellet 1/25/2013
2003 Chappellet Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Signature - 90 30 mins decant drinking wonderfully still youthful amazing wine
2004 Chappellet Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Signature - 91 lush 30 mins decanted mouth coating red fruit gentle wine
2005 Chappellet Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Signature - 93 Home Run WOTN - wow fruit structure and mojo
2006 Chappellet Vineyard Mountain Cuvee - 88 Solid mellow cuvee more oak than fruit
2007 Chappellet Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Signature - 92 Outstanding - some citrus? But a long finish...great nose
2008 Chappellet Vineyard Mountain Cuvee - 90 Delightful probably right in the peak of drinking window
2008 Chappellet Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Signature 91 - Big wine, red fruit, cider, vanilla....love this wine
2010 Chappellet Vineyard Mountain Cuvee "Cervantes" 87 - Tannic needs a longer decant or cellar nap still enjoyable
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12/28/2012 - wirelesswine wrote: 92 Points
Nice big wine with dark mountain fruit profile. The color is super dark, the palate is rich with dark fruits and a hint of caramel. This has intensity and balance, and is drinking very well now.
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12/23/2012 - levinml wrote: 92 Points
Drank over 3 nights under pump. Best second night, real good. Interesting fruit and structure, in good balance. Drink anytime, but no rush.
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12/16/2012 - longhorncab Likes this wine: 94 Points
Good color and aromatics, silky and dense, with good fruit and finish
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12/15/2012 - CaliRice wrote: 92 Points
Served with prime rib, roasted potatoes and vegetables. Nice firm tannins, great mouth feel, nice cocoa finish. Would buy again.
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12/2/2012 - JHuckle wrote: 91 Points
Bright future ahead of it.
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11/6/2012 - Frabjous wrote: 91 Points
Cabernet Sauvignon 77% Malbec 9% Petit Verdot 5% Merlot 9%
Opened this wine in celebration of the end of campaign 2012 which has been going for - it would seem - YEARS.
Popped in cellar to breathe for several hours. Then warm up for a little less than an hour.
Dark red in the glass with lumpy sweet cherry notes on the nose. Flavors of dark dark cherry framed by a nice tannic dustiness and a hint of…strawberry? or raspberry?
Very tasty, will wait another year or so to open the next one.
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10/26/2012 - rougeamore wrote: 91 Points
Full bodied with dark current and berries. Good texture with a medium long finish. Really nice wine. Can drink now or let age.
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9/29/2012 - jwolf99 wrote: 93 Points
Did not take detailed notes, but recall cherry and vanilla flavors being prevalent; smoky oak notes.
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9/18/2012 - mflesh wrote: 92 Points
Solid wine. Uncorked with a nice dark stain on the extremely tight cork! (thought this one was going to break). 80% of this bottle was consumed pop and pour - the remaining 20 percent sat for about 90 minutes in the bottle. First impression - black, inky nose, restrained fruit. Nose in the glass was really about the same. On the palate however, was a bit different. The palate was all about the dark, black currant mountain fruit. Now, this is nice, but the Pritchard Hill Estate Cab is about a million times more dense. There was a light vanilla front that blew off to black currant, some mocha in the mid-palate, but this is all about the mountain fruit. Finished with a tannic backbone that was softer than I anticipated at this 2008 age. Really a very nice wine. If I could afford to drink this every night, it would be the go to. Nice full bodied Signature Cab from Chappellet.
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9/7/2012 - MichielV wrote: 91 Points
With veal chop fm bbq. Very cali cab but great all around, fruit, body and length. Vanil tones with dark cherry taste. Just yummy. Great now but probably excelllent 5 yrs from now. It will come together.
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8/31/2012 - ivsimler wrote: 92 Points
Awesome...not cheap...but not asinine either. One of our faves.
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6/8/2012 - Mjsmith wrote: 93 Points
Good
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5/15/2012 - PSUSteve Likes this wine: 91 Points
Bought off a restaurant list at basically retail. Decanted and drank over 90 minutes. Dark fruit, earth on the palate. Well balanced and smooth with decent length. Would love to see this with a longer decant or in a few years.
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4/8/2012 - 2Travel wrote: 90 Points
nice, but closed and needs time
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3/3/2012 - neurovino wrote: 93 Points
Beautiful complexity and balance with mild acidity and muted tannins. Dee-lish.
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2/25/2012 - DanH wrote: 92 Points
Awesome dark fruit and minerality.
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2/12/2012 - chanote44 wrote: 91 Points
This is a solid Napa Cab. It is a touch smoother and less oaked than previous vintages, but overall delivers on flavor.
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2/9/2012 - Whinojb wrote: 89 Points
this was an excellent wine and worth the $$ - it was uninspiring as far as most memorable, but will enjoy the other 2 bottles - good for a few more years and should get better in a friendly way. It was tough right out of the bottle - high alcohol - tannic - but started to chill out after about a half hour. It really started to become smoother. Drank after two hours. Dark brooding fruits - anise, stewed dark berries, slight chocalate, friendly mouthfeel and a finish that was very appropriate in length. It took a sip or two to be welcoming to the pallet and would go great with steak or any big meat. Perhaps a 90 is in it's future - needs a little more time.
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1/29/2012 - cpsmith33 wrote: 91 Points
Popped and poured at Luger's with the steak for 3. Just not enough time. Solid dark fruits, tobacco flavors..definitely from California. Good for $40 retail.
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12/17/2011 - Ajtrader wrote: 91 Points
- Purple color with medium forming legs.
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12/3/2011 - Frabjous wrote: 90 Points
Popped and let breathe in the bottle for several hours.
Initial pour shows dark ruby red from rim to rim; a smooth sheen coats the glass with very few legs. The nose reveals lots of dark berry fruit with a hint of spiciness; there is also a bit of a nutty character - walnut? - as well.
On the palate, a distinct dustiness follows an explosion of fruit; the dustiness lingers with the fruit on the finish. As the wine opens up, Dino begins to snork a bit in anticipation. Dino loves his vino!
Very nice round fruit that rolls around on the palate, but the wine lacks the depth I would think the “Signature” should have - this wine is on a par with the ’07 Mountain Cuvée as of now; we’ll see as it develops further. It could just be that it is too young in which case: my bad.
On day 2 the wine is about the same with nice smooth fruits rolling on the palate and lingering on the finish. I must say I’m a tad disappointed as I had extrapolated from the ’07 Mountain Cuvée that the ’08 Signature would be quite a bit more tasty. I’ll try one of my ’07 Signatures this winter and see how that compares, perhaps ’08 is just more closed at this point although IIRC ’08 was a more forward year for Napa Cabs…
The finish is really really nice though; I can taste dark cherry and a réprise of the dustiness a full minute after my last sip, so I’m thinking I just drank this too soon. Dino is not pleased! We’ll have to consider the drinking window a little more carefully in the future.
90+; Hold for now and drink after 2012
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11/29/2011 - J-Sho wrote: 89 Points
came off a bit unconnected this time. maybe a weird stage
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11/19/2011 - Borrego69 wrote: 92 Points
Muy bueno
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10/30/2011 - RussK wrote: 91 Points
RUSSK Napa trip. my favorite from the tasting. Great balance and finesse. 91+
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10/22/2011 - AllRed wrote: 90 Points
Domestic New Releases Tasting (Binny's, St. Charles): Inky garnet color. Perfumed black fruit and floral aromas; hints of underbrush with air. Nice weight on the palate. Flavors of red fruit, vanilla and spice; finishes nicely. $44.99.
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10/19/2011 - AGee wrote: 91 Points
Pop and poured. Berry, vanilla and a hint of oak in the nose and taste. The tannins were softer, the wine was well balanced, and it had a medium length finish. I found it very approachable for such a young wine that did not need decanting. Had a deliciousness factor that made it very popular with a group of non-wine drinking customers. 91+
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8/26/2011 - Winodude1234 wrote: 92 Points
Purchased on board Oceania. Great cab even this young, should get even better with age. Plan to purchase a case for my cellar.
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8/18/2011 - Kenneth14 wrote: 90 Points
Still a little early, needs some more time in the cellar. Full body, very enjoyable, a little tight although opened up during the course of the evening.
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8/5/2011 - Thirsty1 wrote:
Had this at season's 52 last night. Dark purple with sweet vanilla, blackberry and boysenberry. Syrupy and viscous, this wine could have been our dessert.
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7/14/2011 - bobpsi wrote: 90 Points
Really nice Cal Cab with strong Black and red fruits and oak notes with hints of cedar and tobacco on the med+ finish.
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7/10/2011 - BK29 wrote: 92 Points
Have had several of these now. really nice wine, good solid value. great fruit and you also get a sense for the precision and purity that is usually reserved for the pritchard hill.
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7/4/2011 - J-Sho Likes this wine: 92 Points
dark in color with notes of red current, wild berry, vanilla, and a nice dollop of oak. Smooth palate with soft tannins. Moderate complexity.
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7/3/2011 - Mike Mann wrote: 92 Points
amazing wine for the price, bold full fruit a little smokey , very well balanced
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6/25/2011 - vegasoenophile wrote: 94 Points
Nose of blackberry an some hints of blueberry. Concentrated red and black fruits with hints of herbs and spices. Roasted coffee and chocolate tones. Rich tannins provide great structure.
- Tasted at winery 12/30/10
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6/19/2011 - 3daywinereview.com wrote: 91 Points
Always a favorite Cab for under $50. Shows oak, vanilla, cherry, spice and minerals. Good concentration on the palate and medium, intense finish. This should get better with some time in the cellar.
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6/15/2011 - Mike Mann wrote: 92 Points
outstanding!!!
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6/12/2011 - Outplaying wrote:
Chappellet Vertical 2000-2008 (The Twelves, West Grove PA): Rich black fruits, coffee and chocolate. While I'll liked the 06 quite a bit, I enjoyed this for its primary fruit. It also showed more complexity than the 07 with its cofee and chocolate notes. #2 in the flight for me but I enjoyed it quite a bit.
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6/1/2011 - MattMauldin wrote: 93 Points
Tasted at the winery. Graphite, lavendar, cassis, blueberry, and tobacco on the nose. Lots of savory notes on the palate- cedar and leather, with cassis and currant. Round approachable tannins and a longish finish. A little more straight forward and less complex than the 2006 I had recently, but very nice.
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5/7/2011 - SudburyWino119 wrote: 92 Points
Big and spicy. Loved it
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4/25/2011 - fullpint wrote: 95 Points
Stands up to the 2006! I almost lost my head here thinking Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon, and layers of fruit in this mountain bomb. This is a well-structured wine, a little intense right away, but just flows effortlessly on the palate for 1-2 minutes. Concentrated and rich, this wine shows what Chappellet stands for and the firm, leathery tannins leave you reaching for the glass more often. Resist and you will be drinking a beauty within 30-45 minutes as if you opened a 5 year aged bottle. Salute!
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4/24/2011 - Cakes wrote: 94 Points
Easter dinner at Claudia and Stevens
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4/14/2011 - jeff nowak wrote: 87 Points
chappellet wine dinner. $43. this wine has some history, and i wish i understood better how it evolved to this, an overtly simple, sweet tannin, toasted oak blob of disappointing fruit. this is the wine you hang your family hat on? whoa. i can't grasp the concept of the so called fabulous terroir translating into this. methinks they need to refocus.
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4/1/2011 - Mike Kopanski wrote: 92 Points
17th Annual Central Carolina Food and Wine Festival (Medallion Center, Columbia, SC.): I think it may be possible to discern particular flavor, aroma, and mouth feel characteristics from Pritchart Hill in the same manner we do for say, Stags Leap, or Rutherford. I have not tried enough of these to make definitive conclusions, but I am getting a powdery earth, rocky, and mineral profile that may be unique. Would be fun to do some serious research. The rest of this wine is textbook premium Napa Valley Cabernet. Dark. Full bodied. The small amounts of Bordeaux blending varietals add some texture and flavor. Focused dark fruit with interesting and enhancing non fruit components. Rich. Refined tannins. You get no indication that the alcohol is 14.9%. Ripe finish.
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3/18/2011 - bevetroppo Does not like this wine: 87 Points
Predictably Californian in its ponderous, smoky, blackberry-drugged way. Somewhat thick on the palate, low acid. I couldn't even make it swing with a steak and that's not a good sign. Wins a truth in advertising award with 14.9% ABV on the label, assuming that's accurate, cause it tastes like more to me.
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3/9/2011 - kdvelasco wrote: 91 Points
Very drinkable for a young wine.
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3/7/2011 - J-Sho wrote: 91 Points
see previous
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2/27/2011 - km5 wrote: 93 Points
Shocking! That's the word. This 08 vintage is surprisingly drinkable. Giving it 93 for the value. Dark rich jammy cherry and cocoa with a well balanced creaminess and smooth long finish I didn't expect for this price point. The controlled oak and vanilla from this 08 comes off as very pleasant and enjoyable. Thank you Phil!
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2/25/2011 - J-Sho wrote: 91 Points
Dark purple in color. Aromas of raspberry, blackberry, along with cola and some clove. Palate with present but soft tannins and nice moderate finish. Moderate complexity but not much layering. May yet be a little young.
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2/15/2011 - VinoJestes wrote:
HUGE and spicy.
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2/13/2011 - acchrist0 wrote: 94 Points
Outstanding wine - mountain fruit at its best. Tannic, earthy, bold.
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2/7/2011 - Suzi333 wrote: 94 Points
Shockingly approachable for an '08.
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1/30/2011 - Wink wrote: 92 Points
Tasted at the winery. I have been enjoying the Chappellet Signature Cab for several years. I still have bottles of '04 thru '07 in the cellar. This was my first taste of the '08. I really liked it and wrote down a numerical score, but didn't make notes to report. I bought a six pack.
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1/22/2011 - Rich S wrote:
Sacrificed a bottle toward the end of a night of many Cali wines and was not able to assess the wine. Very primary and grapey at this stage with some big, dry tannins. I will not touch another bottle for 2-3 years.
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12/8/2010 - jamieirving wrote: 89 Points
Made from a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Malbec, 9% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot this wine shows a bright purple colour. I found jammy berry fruit and toasty oak aromas on the nose. The palate started out a little austere, but mellowed in the glass. Medium to full in body I found savoury, earthy, menthol characters with nice French oak and a very dry finish.
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11/17/2010 - SyrahQueen wrote: 92 Points
This Vineyard never disappoints me. I have a great fondness for Chappellet and often times becomes my go to wine. Very deep in color, ruby. The nose had spice, fruit and great elegance. The wine was velvety and smooth but still had tannins and acid. Traces of blueberries and rasberries and vanilla. Really enjoyed this wine. Will be great for many years to come.
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11/11/2010 - zamco17 wrote: 92 Points
Incredible color, great wines, year after year
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9/13/2010 - hutch wrote: 90 Points
Richer style. Heavy, full bodied Napa cab. Very good. 90-91
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