Chappellet Signature Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2021

Chappellet Signature Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2021 is a testament to the art of winemaking and the exceptional terroir of Napa Valley’s Pritchard Hill. Crafted under the expert guidance of winemaker Ry Richards, this wine encapsulates the essence of a meticulously nurtured vineyard combined with the sophistication of modern winemaking techniques. The 2021 vintage, marked by its luxuriously dark and concentrated character, stands as a benchmark for the long-lived hillside wines of the Napa Valley.

The wine unveils alluring aromas of cassis, dark cherry, and spiced plum, seamlessly intertwined with notes of chocolate and sweet baking spices. The influence of French oak aging is evident in the subtle hints of toasted oak, cardamom, clove, and vanilla that elegantly frame the wine’s bouquet. On the palate, the Chappellet Signature Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2021 reveals a voluptuously full-bodied experience, characterized by its lavish structure and supple tannins. The ripe dark berry and black currant flavors are beautifully enhanced by sophisticated hints of espresso, cedar cigar box, anise, and fresh herbs as it glides to a long resonant finish.

The 2021 growing season was defined by its cool, rainy weather in the early months, leading to a delayed budbreak but ultimately contributing to a robust crop with vigorous canopies. Through extensive vine management, including thinning of leaves and clusters, the wine achieved a balance that highlights dazzling aromatics, lovely energy, and pure, fresh flavors. The dry, rocky soils of Pritchard Hill contribute to the small, intensely flavorful grapes, which are key to the wine’s gorgeous color and concentration, along with its rich, soaring flavors and supple tannins.

Critical acclaim for the Chappellet Signature Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2021 underscores its excellence and potential for aging. Jeb Dunnuck awarded it 94 points, praising its smoky black fruits, graphite, crushed stone, and tobacco notes, alongside its concentrated, powerful profile and gorgeous finish. James Suckling also gave it 94 points, highlighting its succulent and layered character, with aromas of cassis and dark berries complemented by sweet spices and a very silky texture. Vinous recognized its dense potency and structured plushness, awarding it 92 points and noting its strong mid-palate and core of fruit.

This wine, a blend predominantly of Cabernet Sauvignon with nearly equal portions of Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Merlot, is a brilliant bottle that reflects the legacy and future of Chappellet winemaking. The Chappellet Signature Cabernet Sauvignon, Chappellet Cabernet Sauvignon, Chappellet Cabernet, and Chappellet Cab are all expressions of the winery’s dedication to producing wines of profound quality and character. As it matures, this vintage promises to unfold even greater depths of complexity and elegance, making it a coveted addition to any connoisseur’s collection.