2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill
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Tasting notes
Chappellet’s Pritchard Hill cuvée is a is tremendously opulent, rich and powerful yet classic sweet-fruited Napa Cabernet. It has impressive compact silken, structured tannins. There is a lovely fresh crunch to the black cassis fruit and more freshness on the palate than Chappellet’s Signature Cabernet tasted alongside it. Savoury tones linger on the long finish adding to the complexity of what is quite a classically fruit-led Napa Cabernet.
Critic scores
Tom Parker MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
A very large, very heavy bottle . 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot. Harvest 9–28 October. pH 3.79. Tarry on the nose with bramble jam and incense. This is very smoky with steeped cherries and currants turning to sultanas. This is an extracted, dense style that will need some time to settle, yet the alcohol is noticeable on the finish and may never fall into line. (TP)
This is a great example of mountain fruit Cabernet, from celebrated winemaker Philip Corallo-Titus and director David Frankie. Glass-staining ruby in colour; intense and concentrated, with inky waves of blueberry and cassis fruits, blocks of bitter black chocolate, velvety tannins that take their time to let the fruit out. This is a tiny production wine from the wonderful 2019 vintage (for me, flying against some of the American critics). Delicious. First time on the Place de Bordeaux, and a standout in the year's wines. 100% new French oak.
The flagship from this great estate is the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill, which checks in as a blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot. It has an incredible nose of pure blue fruits as well as flowers, crushed stone, fresh thyme, tobacco, and graphite. Deep, rich, full-bodied, and concentrated, it's nevertheless weightless and light on its feet, with wonderfully integrated acidity, polished tannins, and a great finish. This classic, quintessential Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon will benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and cruise for 20, 30, if not 40 years if stored correctly. 3800 cases.
About the producer
Founded in 1967, Chappellet is a pioneering, family-owned Napa Valley estate on Pritchard Hill, where it helped establish the tradition of high-elevation viticulture. Its mountain-grown wines are renowned for their depth, elegance and longevity, led by Cabernet Sauvignon.