FIFTY YEARS AGO, Molly and Donn Chappellet left their life in swanky Beverly Hills and moved their family to a rugged, 320-acre mountainside in Napa Valley called Pritchard Hill. Donn’s goal: to make fine wine that would echo some of the world’s top growths.
Throughout the years while the Chappellets produced a number of other excellent varietal wines, the highest-quality wine has always been Pritchard Hill Estate Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, made from mountainside-grown grapes. And throughout those years, it has proven to be outstanding and long-lived, one of Napa’s and, possibly, one of the world’s finest Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines.
To celebrate its 50th, Chappellet held a tasting that featured 10 vintages of its Pritchard Hill Cabernets.
We began with the 2016, deep, dark-shaded and with an aroma of rich, ripe berry followed by a taste that is toasty with spicy notes and a long, delicious finish.
Next came 2012, also deep and dark in color. Four years older and more evolved, it features a smooth, silky taste and an overall lovely melding of berry flavors.
We moved to 2007: deep-shaded, lightly toasty, smooth, mouth-filling, with aromas and tastes suggesting a mix of berries; well-structured and rich.
The 2004 was especially focused, concentrated and big, a mouth-filling wine of depth.
We moved to 1997: big, complex and full-bodied with a depth of flavors, and then to 1992, which I found complex and spicy although slightly less rich than later Pritchard Hills.
The color of the 1987 is still deep and dark. The taste still shows richness and spice, with an interesting complexity in the flavors and balance. On to the 1980: firm, complex, with depth of flavors; delicious and fascinating.
The 1975 still displays a sturdy acidity along with a ripeness and just a hint of age; and finally, the 1969, which at 50 years of age still shows remarkable vigor and depth.
Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon sells for about $250.
Donn Chappellet died in 2016 at age 84. His son Cyril now heads the winery, with the promise of many more vintages of Chappellet Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon to come.
Read This Next
Virgin Atlantic Airways | Upper Class
Airlines
May 1, 2019All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Jul 1, 2022Banyan Tree Group Debuts in Japan with 5 New Properties
Banyan Tree Group recently announced its first-ever expansion into Japan with five new properties across four concepts. The hospitality group’s partnership with Wealth Management Group saw Dhawa Yura and Garrya Nijo Castle launch in June, with two more properties slated to open now through 2026. Another partnership with Terraform Capital sees plans to build Cassia, a property in the ski resort of Niseko.
Sponsored Content
The State of Sustainability in Global Business Travel
Much of the global business travel industry has already made sustainable business travel a priority with a focus on reducing emissions and their environmental footprint. But the industry, as well as external stakeholders, such as policymakers, recognize more needs to be done.
Daily
Jul 1, 2022Chikagai: Tokyo’s Underground Shopping Malls
For many business and leisure visitors to Tokyo, squeezing in a few hours of shopping during the city’s wet and humid early summer months can be somewhat unpleasant.
Daily
Jul 1, 2022American Airlines Launches Mobile ID with TSA PreCheck
American Airlines Mobile ID creates a more seamless, touchless travel experience for American Airlines customers with TSA PreCheck. Recently started at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, AAdvantage members with PreCheck can use Mobile ID at selected checkpoints to verify their identity. AA plans to deploy the technology at Miami (MIA), Phoenix (PHX), Washington, D.C. (DCA) and more later this year.
Sponsored Content
United’s 100 Percent Green Commitment to be Carbon Neutral by 2050
United Airlines remains firmly committed toward sustainability in aviation. The latest development in its eco-conscious goals includes working with Oxy Low Carbon Ventures to commercialize the production of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) with biotech firm Cemvita Factory. Cemvita looks to develop a revolutionary new way to produce SAF by using carbon dioxide and synthetic microbes. Additionally, United Airlines Ventures (UAV) recently announced an equity investment in Fulcrum, and United has invested more in SAF production than any other airline in the world.
Daily
Jun 30, 2022London’s Historic Wiltons Celebrates 280th Birthday with Exclusive Dining Experience
First opened in 1742 by George William Wilton, a seller of oysters, shrimp and cockles near Haymarket in London, Wiltons continued drawing diners with its delicious food for more than two centuries. This summer, Wiltons celebrates its 280th birthday and its place as one of London’s most beloved fine-dining establishments with a unique dining experience.
Luxurious Getaway at Ocean Casino Resort
Daily
Jun 29, 2022Madeira Food on Foot Review
eFlyer Reviews
Jun 29, 2022eFlyer News
Jun 29, 2022New PONANT and Smithsonian Journeys Expedition in Antarctica in 2023
PONANT recently announced a new collaboration with Smithsonian Journeys for a series of co-branded sailings for 2023. Led by two Smithsonian Journeys experts, such as an art historian, solar astrophysicist or international relations expert, the 21 itineraries seek to deepen travelers’ immersion and knowledge of different destinations.
Sponsored Content
8 Reasons to Press the Green Button and Visit Ireland
Start planning that long-awaited trip to the island of Ireland. With all travel restrictions now lifted, there has never been a better time to visit.
eFlyer Deals
Jun 29, 2022Celebrate Four Seasons Hotel Prague’s 20th Anniversary
In honor of its 20th anniversary, Four Seasons Hotel Prague celebrates the beauty and eternity of this historic city with a limited-time stay offer. The Eternal Beauty offer includes a stay in one of the Premier River rooms, which boasts unique views of Prague, a limousine transfer and breakfast.
ShareThis