Chappellet Vertical 2000-2008
The Twelves, West Grove PA
Tasted June 12, 2011 by Outplaying with 796 views
Introduction
Ann and I and a few of our friends have been big chappellet fans for a while and decided to put together a vertical tasting of the Signature Cabs at a local BYOB. Not surprisingly, as the wines got younger, they showed quite a bit more fruit but they were alll surprisingly very similar. The style has stayed pretty consistent. I will say that I was surprised and a little disappointed in that there seemed to be a little heat showing through in most of the bottles that I haven't noticed before. Overall the wines were very solid, but Ann and I later admitted to each other that we were a little underwhelmed by the wines. Solid, but in the $40 price range, not necessarily a bargain.
I was surprised at how similar the wines were in each flight. The first flight showed more restrained fruit, some secondary flavors and were a little more elegant. The last flight, certainly more fruit driven. Overall, I think I learned that I prefer the wines very young, showcasing the primary fruit and tannins, or with 6 or 8 years of age on them when some secondary flavors and aromas show up.
Unfortunately, I didn't take very good notes as the night went on.
Flight 1 - Some starter whites (2 notes)
White
2008 J.M. Boillot Montagny 1er Cru Blanc
France, Burgundy, Côte Chalonnaise, Montagny 1er Cru
Citrus with a healthy dose of mineral. Crisp with just a touch of vanilla. A great pairing with the scallop appetizer. I liked this quite a bit.
Flight 2 - Flight #1 (3 notes)
A close call between the 2000 and 2001 for my favorite of the flight. I think these wines will drink fine for a few more years.
Red
2000 Chappellet Cabernet Sauvignon Signature
USA, California, Napa Valley
On the nose, hints of earth coffee and chocolate. A slight bit of heat that for me distracted a little from the wine. Some slight herbal notes, spice, and soft fruit but with some fine tannins still remaining. Slightly drier than the later vintages which I liked. The most old world-like of the tasting. A toss up for me as to whether I liked the 2000 or 2001 better in this flight. The 01 was a little richer and bigger but not as complex.
Red
2001 Chappellet Cabernet Sauvignon Signature
USA, California, Napa Valley
Dark fruits, slight herbal, and coffee notes. The aromatics were a little more pronounced. For me a tie with the 2000 in this flight. Ann liked this one best in the flight.
Red
2002 Chappellet Cabernet Sauvignon Signature
USA, California, Napa Valley
The aromatics were similar to the 2000 - a little more restrained than 2001. This wine showed a little more fruit than the previous vintages. A little darker and richer but not as complex as the 00 and 01. I ranked this third in this flight.
Flight 3 - Flight #2 (3 notes)
The 2004 was the clear winner in this flight for me.
Red
2004 Chappellet Cabernet Sauvignon Signature
USA, California, Napa Valley
In the flight of 03, 04 and 05, I wrote that this was my favorite but not much else. Fruity but not over the top or too ripe. I'll try to sit on my remaining bottles for a while.
Red
2005 Chappellet Cabernet Sauvignon Signature
USA, California, Napa Valley
Black fruits that seem to be riper than in the previous vintages. I am not sure if it just because the lack of age, style changes or if it was just because of that years weather. For me it was a little too simple and ripe. Ann and Kelly said they noted some metallic or mineral quality that neither of them liked. Brian and I didn't notice that. My least favorite of this flight.
Flight 4 - Flight #3 (3 notes)
The 06 was my favorite followed by the 08.
Red
2007 Chappellet Cabernet Sauvignon Signature
USA, California, Napa Valley
This wine, as with the others was popped and poured and may not have received the air time it needed to show its best. For me it was pretty simple. Lots of black fruits, a little spicey and some noticible alcohol. My least favorite of the flight but it may just need some time.
Red
2008 Chappellet Cabernet Sauvignon Signature
USA, California, Napa Valley
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.
Flight 5 - Dessert (1 note)
A nice way to end the tasting. Thanks to Tim and Nancy for sharing.
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