"Rugged Pritchard Hill property has delivered savoury, age-worthy madrone scrub-laced Cabernet Sauvignon for decades. Signature-series Cabernet is flat-out killer and beats any Napa rival for value." Hugh Johnson Pocket Wine 2024
Nestled on Napa Valley's Pritchard Hill, Chappellet Winery, founded in 1967 by Donn and Molly Chappellet, is a family-owned gem renowned for its world-class Cabernet Sauvignons. Pioneering high-elevation hillside planting, Chappellet crafts wines of extraordinary depth, complexity, and ageability, reflecting the rugged terroir of its 640-acre estate. The winery's commitment to organic farming and sustainability, including a solar energy project offsetting its power needs, underscores its stewardship of the land.
Chappellet's wines consistently earn high praise from critics. The 2016 Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon scored a rare 100 points from Wine Advocate, with Robert Parker calling it “pushing perfection.” The 2012, 2013, and 2014 vintages each garnered 97+ points, lauded for their intense fruit, fine tannins, and long, mineral-laced finishes. Wine Spectator's James Laube compared the 1969 Cabernet to Château Latour, and the winery ranked in their Top 100 list from 2007 to 2009, the only California winery to do so consecutively. The 2012 Chardonnay earned a Silver at the TEXSOM International Wine Awards, noted for its vibrant acidity and integrated oak.
Under the guidance of winemaker Phillip Corallo-Titus and the second-generation Chappellet family, including Cyril, Carissa, and Dominic, the winery blends tradition with innovation. Its Signature Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are celebrated for their finesse and value, while the Pritchard Hill Cabernet remains a collector's favorite, often allocated due to high demand. Chappellet's serene tasting room, set against stunning Lake Hennessey views, offers an unforgettable experience, cementing its legacy as a Napa Valley icon.
