Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.7

This wine is in a perfect place. 2008 is not as regarded as 2007, but this 2008 made by Charles Hendricks is saying differently & absolutely one of his very best. I would say, James & Coleen made a mistake in letting him get away.

It is sort of a Mother Mary of God wine. Not to be religious, just the phrase fits.

Our eyes & ears perk up when we hear Napa names like; Harlan, Scarecrow, Hundred Acre, Bond & Colgin. I’d like to put this in blind and watch the shock & awe in everyone eyes when the wines were revealed.

The palate entry is perfect in every way. It is rich, lush, extremely balanced with well rounded, velvety M+ tannins. The core is dark currants, blackberries, black raspberries, both plums, black cherries, baked strawberries framed in raspberry edges. Some of the most amazing, dark spices with palate heat, melted, dark chocolate to pudding, black licorice to anise, mocha, malt balls, caramel, mid baking spices; clove, nutmeg, cinnamon stick, vanillin, fresh & used tobacco, leathery, graphite, crushed rocks & limestone, sage brush, slightly, candied, dark & withering flowers set in understated violet’s & lavender, warm, summer, rainfall acidity, balance for days, excellent structure/tension with elegance and smart polish that lasts minutes and settles on beautiful spices.

This wine is at its precipice and will hold a few more years with good drinking for 8-10 years. — 6 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.5

Chappellet – Signature Cabernet Sauvignon – 2021 🇺🇸
Pritchard Hill – Napa Valley AVA – California, USA

Overview
A beautifully balanced, Bordeaux-inspired mountain Cabernet from one of Napa Valley’s most respected hillside estates.
The 2021 blend shows slightly more varietal diversity than the 2022, with a composition of: 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 7% Malbec, 6% Merlot.
This creates a wine that leans toward roundness, polish, and aromatic complexity, while still showcasing the powerful structure Pritchard Hill is known for.

Aromas & Flavors
Deep and concentrated, offering layers of blackberry, cassis, dark cherry, and wild mountain herbs.
Subtle undertones of clove, graphite, cocoa nib, espresso, and warm baking spice rise with air.
Beautifully expressive with that signature Chappellet purity.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied yet impressively balanced.
The slightly higher percentage of Malbec and Merlot gives the 2021 a plusher mid-palate and more rounded tannins compared to the 2022 vintage.
The finish is silky, persistent, and coated with lingering notes of cacao, espresso, and black fruit.

Food Pairings
Herb-roasted lamb, braised short ribs, ribeye with thyme butter, porcini dishes, or aged Manchego.

Verdict
A true gem from Pritchard Hill. Elegant, concentrated, and wonderfully proportioned, the 2021 stands as one of the most harmonious expressions of Signature Cabernet in recent years. A wine that balances power, finesse, and aromatic depth with remarkable ease. Cheers!

Did You Know?
Chappellet was one of the early pioneers of high-elevation Napa Cabernet, developing Pritchard Hill long before the area became a coveted source for collectible hillside wines.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
The 2021 holds a special place, refined, complete, and aromatically irresistible. A vintage that shows Chappellet’s mastery at its most elegant. — a year ago

Ely Cohn

9.3

Molitor has intensions for crazy tension. Vibrations 1000 beats a second, floats in place like a hummingbird. Auteur in that you really can't imagine this could happen by accident.

There's an elegant element from first nasal prick onward. Finger limes, clementine, lemon confections, gasoline, and flint reaching way up back. Level 8 acid hides a dose of sweet. Flavors that remind me of sugar coated grapefruit halves drizzled in honey - they go on and on and on. — 4 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.4

Domaine Chevillon-Chezeaux – Nuits-Saint-Georges Vieilles Vignes 2022
Côte de Nuits, Burgundy, France 🇫🇷

Overview
Crafted from old vines (Vieilles Vignes) in the heart of Nuits-Saint-Georges, this 100% Pinot Noir captures the appellation’s signature structure and depth. Domaine Chevillon-Chezeaux is a respected family estate that farms traditionally, bottling wines with both authenticity and age-worthy finesse. Unlike the silkier Chambolle-Musigny or the perfumed grace of Vosne-Romanée, Nuits-Saint-Georges is known for its firmer tannic backbone and savory, earthy character, making it one of Burgundy’s most robust expressions of Pinot Noir.

Aromas & Flavors
Opens with dark cherry, raspberry, and wild strawberry layered with subtle spice, forest floor, and a gentle mineral streak. Hints of violet and dried herbs lend additional elegance.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied, silky yet firm, with polished tannins and bright acidity carrying through to a persistent, savory finish. Youthful now, but its layered fruit and backbone suggest strong aging potential.

Winemaking Notes
Old vines (many 40–60 years of age) deliver concentration and depth. Traditional Burgundian vinification with careful élevage in French oak barrels (a proportion new, though never overpowering).

Food Pairing
Perfect alongside roasted duck, mushroom-based dishes, lamb chops, or simply a classic coq au vin. Its balance of fruit and earthy complexity makes it versatile with Burgundian-style cuisine.

Verdict
A benchmark Nuits-Saint-Georges VV—structured yet refined, with depth of fruit, mineral poise, and a sense of place. One to enjoy now with decanting, or cellar for 8–12 years for even greater reward. — 6 months ago

Pooneet K

9.2

First pull of a 2019 Bordeaux. Not in a bad place with an 8 hour open period (no decant). Very “dark Michigan cherry” according to my wife who has spent a lot of time in Michigan. Great pairing with a variety of grilled meats - lamb, pork, and steak. — a year ago

Byron Hewett

9.2

I was blown away at how delicious this was. Enjoyed with Piri-Piri chicken at Frangasquiera Nacional in Lisbon. Incredible QPR. 10 euros in the restaurant! This place only seats 6 -8 people. Food was outstanding too. — 3 years ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.4

2019 vintage. Tasted after 2 hours open. Medium body. Big lanolin and prominent acidity with some pineapple and guava notes open for business. Lemon curd rolling through like it owns the place (perhaps it do). Easy 7-8 years Smokey Robinson cruising together based on remaining acidity. Approx .5-1 year away from the top of the bell curve. 04.26.25. — a year ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.4

2012 vintage. Smoky, spicy, plummy, earthy. Medium-heavy body. Quiet power and presence without flexing. Can't imagine this one getting better but can hold tight in this place for 7-8 years. 04.23.25. **edit** Picked up the last 4 cases available in San Diego County for an unbelievable price so we'll have it for a spell. 05.05.25. — a year ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.2

1995 vintage. Light-medium body. Opened but not decanted. High neck fill. Solid cork. Relatively light sed. Tasted after one hour. Dusty with velveteen notes up front and a gradual thinning of intensity on the finish. As per the LR style, no explosive characteristics, only a seamless quality evident. This will hold in place for 7-8 years. 8.16.24. — 2 years ago

Ian Hamel

9.1

2022/8. This was less advanced (in a good way) compared to the first bottle of my recent lot of 3 - in a good place, rich but balanced and lively — 4 years ago