Winery Tasting: Chappellet
Napa, CA
Tasted May 23, 2005 by 97mjr with 888 views
Introduction
Really looked forward to this tasting. They offer 2 tastings/tours @ 10:30 and 2PM. I am big fan of the Signature Cab. The winery is a little tough to get to--up on Pritchard Hill. Passed Bryant and Girard on the way. A little more corporate then I expected though still very welcoming; greeted by 2 receptionists in the lobby of the cellar. Started the tasting in the cellar; obviously a little cool inside. Later moved outside to sample the Pritchard Hill. Beautiful grounds. Through I would have liked to see more, as I have been told the veiws are spectacular.
Flight 1 (5 notes)
Red
2002 Chappellet Merlot
USA, California, Napa Valley
[$30] Sweet ripe black fruit, cassis, lavendar, black olive, dried herbs; a good effort, had structure with solid tannins; not flabb;,drinking now; but didnt purchase any
Red
2002 Chappellet Cabernet Sauvignon Signature
USA, California, Napa Valley
[$45] Classic Napa cab with strong mountain fruit quality. Ripe sweet black fruit, cassis, smoke, chocolate, tar. Long finish; hold for another year or two. Interestingly, we were told that due to concerns re: the strength of the luxury wine market, fruit otherwise tagged for the Pitchard Hill blend was directed to Signature. Dollar for dollar the best cab of the trip. And twice as good as the 2000 Pritchard Hill at half the price.
Red
2000 Chappellet Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill Estate Vineyard
USA, California, Napa Valley
[$120] black and red fruit, tar, tobacco. Lacked the big fruit and cassis I look for in a Cali cab, had a strong earthy quality. Actually it felt a little thin after a few hours. Drinking now, but the group clearly preferred the 2002 Signature. And I prefer the '00 Signature to this esp at 1/3 the price. Didn't purchase.
Closing
Overall we had a good experience, though found the tour a little less personal then some others. Enjoyed sipping wine outside and would have preferred to see more of the grounds. KAB would return.
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