2005 Chappellet Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill Estate Vineyard
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Tasting notes
76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Petit Verdot, 6% Malbec. Made since 1967 and described as ‘the pinnacle of the Chappellet portfolio’. Fleshy cassis and ripe tomato on the nose with a savoury, leathery background note. Chalky and characterful, with plenty of spice box and tobacco layered over a core of dark fruit. Less concentrated than some other wines here but it more than makes up for it with complexity and balance. (TP)
Critic scores
Average Score
Tom Parker MW, jancisrobinson.com
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Made up of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Petit Verdot and 6% Malbec, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill Estate Vineyard opens with earthy notions of truffles and mossy bark with savory elements of tapenade, Indian spices and smoked meats over a core of black cherry pie and crème de cassis. Full-bodied and firmly structured with chewy tannins and background freshness, it gives a good core of muscular fruit, finishing long and earthy.
Bright medium ruby. Crushed rock, cassis, licorice, bitter chocolate and graphite on the nose. Extremely youthful wine with lovely intensity and mineral firmness to its dark berry flavors. Slightly herbal and medicinal in the style of the year but not hard. Developing very slowly and still quite primary today. Tannins are very suave and fine. Still plenty of life ahead of it.
Bright medium ruby. Crushed rock, cassis, licorice, bitter chocolate and graphite on the nose. Extremely youthful wine with lovely intensity and mineral firmness to its dark berry flavors. Slightly herbal and medicinal in the style of the year but not hard. Developing very slowly and still quite primary today. Tannins are very suave and fine. (ST) 92+
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.