Professional Ratings
- 95 points – Jeb Dunnuck
- 95 points – Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
- 93 points – James Suckling
- 94.1 points – Ken's Wine Guide
Tasting Notes
A Bordeaux-style blend of 76% Cabernet Franc, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 7% Merlot, aged 22 months in French oak. Aromas of cedar, graphite, wild sage, black tea, thyme, red currant, rose petal, and sandalwood lead to a layered palate of black cherry, plum, anise, white pepper, tobacco, and earthy minerality. Silky tannins and vibrant structure carry through a long, complex finish.
Overall Review
The 2022 Cabernet Franc is one of Napa Valley's standout examples of the variety, combining Pritchard Hill power with elegance and finesse. Critics praised its purity, concentration, floral complexity, and seamless texture. Despite the warm 2022 vintage, it retains freshness, balance, and excellent aging potential.
- The Wine Independent: 94 Points
- Jeb Dunnuck: 93 Points
- James Suckling: 93 Points (for the Cabernet Franc in another listing)
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: 92 Points
Tasting Notes & Vintage Context:
- Flavor Profile: Expect intense dark fruits (cassis, cherry), hints of mocha, spice, pepper, earthy notes, and floral/herbal undertones.
- Style: A bold, structured red with textural mouthfeel and well-framed tannins, offering power and elegance.
- Vintage Nuance (2022): Considered a ripe vintage, but Chappellet's mountain fruit manages to balance richness with freshness, avoiding being overly hot or one-dimensional.
