Fifty years ago, Molly and Donn Chappellet left their life in upscale Beverly Hills and relocated their family to a rugged, 320-acre mountainside vineyard on Pritchard Hill in Napa Valley. Donn’s ambition was simple and bold: to craft wines that could stand alongside the world’s finest growths.
Over the decades the Chappellets produced a range of high-quality varietals, but their crown jewel has consistently been the Pritchard Hill Estate Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, made from grapes grown on the steep, mineral-rich slopes of Pritchard Hill. Time and again this wine has shown exceptional structure and longevity, earning a reputation as one of Napa’s preeminent Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines.
To mark the 50th anniversary, Chappellet hosted a vertical tasting showcasing ten vintages of its Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon.
The tasting began with the 2016 vintage: deep in color, with an aroma of lush ripe berries. On the palate it is toasty and spicy, finishing long and satisfying.
Next was the 2012, similarly dark but showing four more years of development. It offers a smooth, silky texture and a harmonious blend of berry flavors.
The 2007 proved deep and subtly toasty, mouth-filling and well-structured, offering layered berry aromas and flavors.
The 2004 stood out for its focus and concentration, a big, full-bodied wine with notable depth.
The 1997 displayed complexity and density: full-bodied and rich with a broad flavor profile. The 1992 vintage followed, presenting complexity and spice while appearing slightly less opulent than some of the later releases from Pritchard Hill.
The 1987 still retained a deep, dark hue. Its palate remained rich and spicy, with an intriguing balance and layered flavors. The 1980 showed firmness and complexity, delivering concentrated flavors that were both delicious and captivating.
The 1975 continued to show bright acidity alongside ripe fruit and a gentle suggestion of age. Remarkably, the 1969—at fifty years old—still demonstrated vigor and depth, a testament to the site and careful winemaking.
Today, Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon typically retails for around $250, reflecting its quality and standing among Napa’s top wines.
Donn Chappellet passed away in 2016 at age 84. His son Cyril now leads the winery, carrying forward the family legacy and the promise of many more vintages of Chappellet Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon in the years ahead.