Chappellet – Napa's second winery founded after prohibition

Molly and Donn Chappellet envisioned a winery on Pritchard Hill to make wines rivaling the First Growths of Bordeaux. They founded Chappellet in 1967. Robert Mondavi assisted by crushing their inaugural 1968 vintage for them, as their winery was not yet finished. The winery structure was designed to resemble a pyramid built into the hillside. (Their logo is a bird's-eye view of the top of the winery). After Donn died in 2016, the second generation continues to execute their father's vision. The exceptional 1980 vintage Cabernet was the wine style Donn Chappellet envisioned that he would make when conditions were ideal, so he affixed his signature to the label. This was the first vintage release of "Signature" Cabernets that have helped establish Chappellet's legacy and Pritchard Hill's exceptional terroir. Great vineyards produce fruit that reflects their complexity and character and the vision, passion and patience of those who farm them. The Chappellet Estate Vineyard on Pritchard Hill is situated from 800 to 1,800 feet above sea level, and has earned global acclaim for yielding grapes that produce mountain-grown wines of rare depth, longevity and elegance. They are a classic mix of superb complexity, power and purity. The 16 percent of the 640-acre estate under vine is cultivated as 48 individual blocks, each highlighting a variety of soil types, elevations, exposures and grades. This vineyard mosaic features a wealth of grapes, clones and rootstocks for complexity. They are committed to sustainable and organic practices, both in the vineyard and the winery. Beginning in the early 1980s they were one of the first wineries to plant cover crops as a method for soil conservation and erosion prevention. As of 2012, 100% of the grapes grown on the estate vineyard have been certified organic. They compost their grape pomace for mulch and use the leftover grape seeds for ground cover. Pests, such as animals and insects, are controlled by encouraging bird habitat in the vineyard. In 2008, Chappellet installed 960 individual solar modules capable of producing enough energy to power 100 percent of their winery and state-of-the-art barrel chai. In 2011, they installed a modern water purification system to process winery production waste water (about 1 million gallons a year) which is then repurposed for vineyard irrigation. I have been a Chappellet fanatic for many years. Following are some of the products I tasted on a recent California trip: 2023 Signature Chenin Blanc ($75) – The family have long had a love affair with Chenin Blanc. Molly's signature now graces the label of this limited release. Crisp, elegant and focused with floral fruit of nectarine and citrus, a very unique expression of the grape. 2021 "Las Piedras" Red Wine ($95) – Named for the rugged, rocky terrain of Pritchard Hill, a blend of five Bordeaux grape varietals. Very deep, dark hue. Rich and black/elderberry fruit with intensity, structure and integrated oak. Nuances of cheesecake texture, buttery graham cracker crust. 2021 Signature Reserve Cabernet ($95) – A personal favorite. Notes of cardamon, clove, dark fruit/black cherry, cherry cola and spice. Very intense, concentrated. Inky focus of flavor. Firm structure. Quite lovely. 2021 Pritchard Hill Cabernet Franc ($115) – A lush, flavorful red with lots of fruit, hinting of black olive, plum, boysenberry and delicate nuances of herbs and savory wood smoke. From their consumer allocation program (inquire with the winery for pricing/availability at Chappellet.com): 2021 Hideaway Cabernet Sauvignon – Very open nose of red fruit, elegant style. Still youthful with moderate, pleasant tannins and flavors. 2019 Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon – Big, rich and suave. Lush and lingering with dark cherry flavors, balanced oak and structure hidden by its opulent fruit. Gary Twining is a certified wine educator who worked 34 years in the wholesale fine wine industry. Email him at winingwithtwining@hotmail.com.