"Tough-edged, earthy and leathery, though deeply concentrated and muscular. Built around a core of dense dark berry fruit, mineral, cedar and graphite, this is not the early-allure charmer it's been in recent years. Best from 2013 through 2022. 2,309 cases made." (WS)
"1. 2008 Chappellet, “Pritchard Hill,” Napa Valley ($135) – Medium-dark purplish ruby color; attractive, intense, com- plex, plummy, cassis, blackberry, and sweet black cherry fruit aroma with hints of dark chocolate, espresso, graphite, and juniper; full body; big, rich, forward, concentrated, extracted, textured, mouth-filling, currant and very ripe berry fruit flavors with undertones of sweet oak; well balanced and structured; full tannin; lingering aftertaste. Deserves another three to five more years of bottle aging. Very highly recom- mended. 14.9% alcohol; 2,310 cases; blended with 16% Petit Verdot (PV) and 8% Malbec; released December 2010. (Group Score: 16.6 of 20 points, 2 of 10 first-place votes/1 second/2 thirds; My Score: 17 [93 of 100 points], first place)" (CAGV)
"I am a big fan of this wine every year. The 2008 shows beautiful aromas of dried flowers and spices with chocolate underneath. The palate is full and very velvety with lots of intensity and flavor in the finish. Racy, elegant and finesse are words that come to mind to describe this wine. Best in two or three years." (JS) |