Chappellet Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill Estate 2005

Several years ago Chappellet introduced a bottling of their best lots in what has become a wine of legendary following. Referred to PHEV in the shorthand of the winery, a companion Cabernet Franc-based wine is also produced under the same program, and the wines represent the most severe cuts to include only the best barrels from the best lots. Vinfolio receives only a small allocation of this world-class wine. Blended with 18% Petite Verdot and 6% Malbec. The nose shows exquisite concentration to the profound cassis, chocolate, licorice and black cherry aromas, with a polished vein of spicy read more...oak. Nothing is lost in the translation to the palate as the wine is seamlessly integrated across all facets. Flavors of blackberry, licorice, allspice, and mocha are well-integrated into a marvelous complexity.    (hide)

#24 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2008 Big, ripe and complex, but light on its feet. An elegant, spicy mix of rich currant, anise, toasty oak, espresso and subtle herbal scents, all of which fold together nicely, ending with a long, persistent finish. Best from 2010 through2016. 96 Points - Wine Spectator

November 2008

Big, ripe and complex, but light on its feet. An elegant, spicy mix of rich currant, anise, toasty oak, espresso and subtle herbal scents, all of which fold together nicely, ending with a long, persistent finish. Best from 2010 through2016. - Wine Spectator

Inky hue with a garnet rim. Heady menthol aromas with blueberry and milk chocolate notes. Layers of supple cherry and mint flavors. Lasting and creamy with a cherry-chocolate finish. A perfectly balanced wine with charm and muscle.

Wine Spectator rating: 96

Stately currant nose, with some barnyard funk. Restrained, but elegantly complex. Very smooth. Acidic, but not at all sour. Velvet hammer. Narrow start, then it unfolds. Some pencil lead. Huge but focused.

December 2008