2019 Chappellet Cabernet Franc
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Tasting notes
Now entering its prime drinking window, the 2019 Cabernet Franc still boasts bushels of ripe cherries on the nose, accented by brown sugar and caramel-scented oak. Full-bodied and supple, maybe even a touch warm, the wine does finish long, with attractive cinnamon and star anise shadings.
Critic scores
James Suckling
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Similarly deep purple-hued, the 2019 Cabernet Franc (78% Cabernet Franc, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Malbec, 2% Petit Verdot and 2% Merlot) offers a kaleidoscope-like array of red, blue, and black fruits as well as spring flowers, cedarwood, and leafy herbs. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it's another rich, concentrated, yet vibrant and fresh 2019, and it's going to evolve for 20 years or more. It's a brilliant bottle of wine! 3600 cases.
The 2019 Cabernet Franc is a good wine but it needs a ton of air for the aromatics and fruit to emerge. This is an especially inky, opulent Franc with a ton of richness and copious sweet oak. Perhaps more Franc character will emerge in time, but it's not there now.
This shows gorgeous and very primary fruit with currants, black cherries and hints of flowers. It’s medium-bodied with fine tannins and long, intense purity and primary character. Crushed grapes. Fresh acidity. Finesse. So tasty now. Drink or hold.
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.