A Memorable Saturday (Various Spots in the Santa Ynez Valley): Beautifully paired with a pristine 1969 Chappellet (and an outlier of a 2018 version). One of the last of a case I bought on release, and in many ways the best bottle. Whereas earlier samplings were delicious, fruit-forward expressions of Napa Cab., this was the first to feature well-received tertiary notes of leather and earth alongside the gentle fruit and mild herbs. Graceful and finessed, and such an instructive contrast to the more robust and fruit-driven '69 version, a remarkable juxtaposition.
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Wow. This is pretty much the perfect repression of well aged Napa cab. Super round, long finish. Red fruit and a touch of sandlewood. Nice herbs on the finish. Drank in memory of Donn Chappellet- thank you for creating such an amazing winery that was a real family operation.
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Cyril and Blakesley tasted the 1996 both at their dinner with Art and Bev Cherry, as well as the Cavallo Point Dinner. Cyril said it was showing very well, with a depth of color not very different than the 2012 Las Piedras. Very little sediment in the bottle and the capability to age for perhaps another 20 years.
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Picked this up recently from Benchmark Wine Group, an acquisition from someone else's cellar and appears to have been stored very well. Cork in great shape, heavy sediment visible in bottle. Dark garnet, medium+ body, only a slight fade at the rim. Big aromas of black currant and plum, with some notes of sage and cedar. Fruit still present but restrained, velvety tannins, acidity is still very lively. Long tart finish. Outstanding for any wine, but most especially one nearing the 20 year mark. Wouldn't wait too much longer, it is stellar now and won't get any better from here on out.
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3/27/2021 - JonnyG Likes this wine: 95 Points
A Memorable Saturday (Various Spots in the Santa Ynez Valley): Beautifully paired with a pristine 1969 Chappellet (and an outlier of a 2018 version). One of the last of a case I bought on release, and in many ways the best bottle. Whereas earlier samplings were delicious, fruit-forward expressions of Napa Cab., this was the first to feature well-received tertiary notes of leather and earth alongside the gentle fruit and mild herbs. Graceful and finessed, and such an instructive contrast to the more robust and fruit-driven '69 version, a remarkable juxtaposition.
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12/20/2016 - mwtrotter3 Likes this wine: 94 Points
Thick, concentrated, still lively and structured, cherry syrup, dark unsweetened chocolate, plums and prunes. Savory and intense
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5/25/2016 - AlexHop Likes this wine: 94 Points
Wow. This is pretty much the perfect repression of well aged Napa cab. Super round, long finish. Red fruit and a touch of sandlewood. Nice herbs on the finish. Drank in memory of Donn Chappellet- thank you for creating such an amazing winery that was a real family operation.
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4/25/2016 - Luanne Family cellar inventory Likes this wine: 94 Points
Cyril and Blakesley tasted the 1996 both at their dinner with Art and Bev Cherry,
as well as the Cavallo Point Dinner.
Cyril said it was showing very well, with
a depth of color not very different than the
2012 Las Piedras. Very little sediment in the bottle and the capability to age for perhaps another 20 years.
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7/24/2015 - raypedia Likes this wine: 92 Points
Picked this up recently from Benchmark Wine Group, an acquisition from someone else's cellar and appears to have been stored very well. Cork in great shape, heavy sediment visible in bottle. Dark garnet, medium+ body, only a slight fade at the rim. Big aromas of black currant and plum, with some notes of sage and cedar. Fruit still present but restrained, velvety tannins, acidity is still very lively. Long tart finish. Outstanding for any wine, but most especially one nearing the 20 year mark. Wouldn't wait too much longer, it is stellar now and won't get any better from here on out.
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