Chappellet, Pritchard Hill - Napa Valley 2013

Chappellet, Pritchard Hill - Napa Valley 2013

The estate

In 1967, Donn Chappellet dreamed of making a wine to rival the great First Growths of Bordeaux. Pritchard Hill was the answer to that dream.

Considered a pioneer in the Napa Valley, Chappellet established the second new winery there after the repeal of Prohibition and became the 18th registered member of the Napa Valley Vintners. Family owned for over 50 years, Chappellet is recognized as one of the great Napa Valley wineries. Today, the second generation is committed to continuing the vision of their parents, Donn and Molly Chappellet.
Chappellet Pritchard Hill is a limited-production Cabernet Sauvignon that represents the pinnacle of Chappellet winemaking and embodies the elegant power and complexity of Pritchard Hill winegrowing. Like the great Bordeaux wines that first inspired Donn Chappellet, this wine is crafted by blending Cabernet Sauvignon with other classic Bordeaux varietals. The wine was aged for 22 months in 100 percent new French oak. Grown on the rocky, mountainside vineyard, the Cabernets have consistently displayed an ability to age for several decades.

The 2013 vintage

2013 was one of the most idyllic growing seasons we have seen in many years, with picture-perfect weather from spring through harvest. Though late-2012 rains provided enough water to ensure adequate soil moisture, drought-like conditions throughout the 2013 growing season limited vine vigor and allowed us to further fine-tune our viticultural techniques. With temperatures that were neither too hot, nor too cold, we achieved ideal ripeness, while still preserving excellent acidity. With no threat of rain or heat events near harvest, we were able to pick all of our grapes precisely when we wished.

Tasting notes

This is a classic expression of mountain-grown Cabernet Sauvignon that combines exceptional structure and concentration with graceful purity and poise. The aromas reveal deep layers of blackberry, cassis and anise along with notes of cedar and violet. The palate is velvety and rich, with underlying tone and structure. Dark fruit flavors are accompanied by hints of roasted coffee, dark chocolate and oak spice that carry through to a long, satisfying finish.