Chappellet Signature Cabernet Sauvignon 2002

Elegantly styled with a wonderful sense of balance, it offers a complex core of currant, anise, sage and a splash of vanilla and mocha, finishing with ripe, fine-grained tannins that flex their muscles on the finish. Best from 2006 through 2012. -Wine Spectator The Signature Cabernet Sauvignon has been Chappellet's flagship wine for more than three decades. It is a benchmark for the long-lived hillside wines of the Napa Valley; full of structure and ageing potential, yet seductively forward in its concentrated varietal character. Collectors covet vintages from the 1970s, 1980s and read more...1990s. This wine opens with inviting ripe fruit aromas of blackberries, black cherry and plum. Chocolate, espresso and oak spice add depth and richness. Background notes of black pepper and cedar add complexity to the nose. Flavors of sweet berries mingle with anise, coffee and toasted French oak. The texture is rich and mouth-filling, with firm, integrated tannins adding structure and finesse to the palate. The closing notes are long and lingering, with flavors of concentrated fruit and spice.    (hide)

not as good as previous

December 2006

One of the few Cali cabs that I have liked recently

December 2007

[$45] Classic Napa cab with strong mountain fruit quality. Ripe sweet black fruit, cassis, smoke, chocolate, tar. Long finish; hold for another year or two. Interestingly, we were told that due to concerns re: the strength of the luxury wine market, fruit otherwise tagged for the Pitchard Hill blend was directed to Signature. Dollar for dollar the best cab of the trip. And twice as good as the 2000 Pritchard Hill at half the price.

May 2005

[Pesto ravioli] Not decanted. Began with very thick blackberry; somewhat primary. Over 2hrs developed mint, smoke, red fruit, tobacco. 1st of a case. Wouldnt open another for 6mos-1yr.

May 2006

Rating: 92/100 - As reviewed by Wine Spectator