2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill
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Tasting notes
While previous reviewers have touted this as a long-aging wine, my take on the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill is that it has probably peaked and should be consumed relatively soon. Even directly from the winery's library, it exhibits an aged character, with notes of leather and dried cherries on the nose. It's still highly enjoyable, with a supple, creamy mouthfeel and ample spice and a bit of alcoholic warmth on the lingering finish.
Critic scores
The Wine Advocate
Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
More reviews and scores
The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Petit Verdot and 10% Malbec. Deep garnet colored, it takes a little swirling and coaxing to reveal a core of blackcurrant pastilles, new leather, baker's chocolate and preserved Morello cherries with hints of cigar box, incense, cinnamon stick and truffles plus a waft of olive bread. The full-bodied palate is taut, muscular and profound, with layers of tight-knit earth, savory and black fruit preserves flavors and a firm, grainy texture, finishing long and mineral laced. This still needs a bit of time. (LPB)
Brooding aromas of blackberry, licorice and violet lifted by a fresh mineral quality. Then surprisingly pliant, even creamy, following the nose, conveying an almost chocolatey ripeness to its black fruit and mineral flavors. This impressively mouthfilling wine shows a captivating subtle sweetness that may be giving it a deceptive accessibility today. The very long, ripely tannic finish boasts considerable power and repeating minerality, promising continued development in bottle over the next 15 years. (ST)
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.