Vinous
byAntonio Gallonithe12/27/2012
The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Signature is another striking wine. The 2009 doesn’t have the bombastic fruit of the 2010, instead, it stands out for the silkiness of its tannin and pure length. The 2009 Signature is classy and refined from the very first taste. All the elements are beautifully in place in this mid-weight Cabernet. The 2009 is 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Malbec, 9% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029.
Today Pritchard Hill seems to be the place everyone wants to be in Napa Valley. The Chappellets were the first to recognize the value and potential of these pristine mountain sites above St. Helena. In addition to making noteworthy wines, the Chappellets were also very smart to trademark the Pritchard Hill name. Unfortunately, that means no other winery can use the designation ‘Pritchard Hill’ on their labels. If Napa Valley is to become recognized throughout the world as a region loaded with first-class terroirs, Pritchard Hill has to be an official AVA (rather than being lumped into St. Helena as it is today), and Chappellet has to allow their neighbors to use the Pritchard Hill designation, which will only bring this corner of Napa Valley more prestige. As for the wines themselves, well, they are terrific. The Chappellet Cabernets are distinguished by a relatively low presence of Cabernet Sauvignon, while Malbec and Merlot play important roles in the blends.