2024 Chappellet - Mountain Cuvee Red (750ml)

Chappellet was founded in 1967 by Donn and Molly Chappellet on Pritchard Hill, one of Napa Valley's highest and most storied vineyard sites, where the family became early pioneers of mountain grown Cabernet Sauvignon. Under winemaker Phillip Corallo-Titus, the estate has spent decades refining its approach to farming at elevation, where thinner soils and cooler nights bring naturally lower yields and more concentrated fruit. Mountain Cuvee reflects that legacy in a more approachable form, built to showcase the same mountain fruit character as Chappellet's flagship wines while remaining ready to enjoy on release.

This proprietary blend draws primarily on Cabernet Sauvignon, joined by Petit Verdot, Merlot, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc, sourced from the Pritchard Hill estate along with other Napa mountain sites including Stagecoach, Broken Rock, Sugarload, and Murray Ranch. Each component is fermented and aged separately before blending, allowing the distinct character of every varietal and vineyard to come through in the final wine. The result draws on five decades of Chappellet's experience with mountain grown fruit, favoring vivid, mouth filling flavors over heavy tannin or excessive oak.

The wine opens with dark cherry, plum, and blackberry, layered with cassis, roasted coffee, and baking spice. The palate is full bodied yet approachable, with supple, well integrated tannins and a long, smooth finish touched by dark chocolate. It pairs well with grilled lamb chops, a juicy ribeye, or aged hard cheeses.