Chappellet
Signature Donn Chappellet Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California, USA
This bottle of the 1984 “Signature” was opened and Audouzed about an hour prior to service. It was then enjoyed over the course of three hours. The wine pours a deep garnet color with an opaque core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing and was initially tightly wound but eventually opened up to reveal sensational notes of black currants, blackberries, tobacco, mixed herbs, inorganic earth and fine baking spices. In the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin (still!) and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. A sensational, classic, evergreen Napa Cabernet Sauvignon made by the legend herself, the one and only Cathy Corison. Drink now with some air or short decant. However, well stored examples will drink well through 2044.
This bottle of the 1984 “Signature” was opened and Audouzed about an hour prior to service. It was then enjoyed over the course of three hours. The wine pours a deep garnet color with an opaque core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing and was initially tightly wound but eventually opened up to reveal sensational notes of black currants, blackberries, tobacco, mixed herbs, inorganic earth and fine baking spices. In the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin (still!) and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. A sensational, classic, evergreen Napa Cabernet Sauvignon made by the legend herself, the one and only Cathy Corison. Drink now with some air or short decant. However, well stored examples will drink well through 2044.
Mar 14th, 2026Cassis and anise. Tar, forest floor. Silky.
Cassis and anise. Tar, forest floor. Silky.
1 person found it helpfulDec 31st, 2020Lovely bottle development. Over 30 years old! Very pretty. Lots of floral perfume. First vintage in a great run, 1984-1987. Resolved and singing. The cork was a bit worrisome, but didn't detract. Last night for dinner.
Lovely bottle development. Over 30 years old! Very pretty. Lots of floral perfume. First vintage in a great run, 1984-1987. Resolved and singing. The cork was a bit worrisome, but didn't detract. Last night for dinner.
1 person found it helpfulFeb 24th, 2017
Bright wine with tons of life left. Notes of Black cherry, black tea, cigar box and anise. Delicious.
Bright wine with tons of life left. Notes of Black cherry, black tea, cigar box and anise. Delicious.
Feb 14th, 2015
I served this one blind to and a half dozen people or so, this wine had lots of guesses that it was an aged Brunello, one Barolo, one straight Sangiovese. Then the last guess? @Benjamin Keator .. "84 or 85 Napa Cab... Should have been opened 10 years ago." .... Mkkaaay, nailed it! However, I don't necessarily agree with the 10 years ago statement. Opened up a 76 not too long ago and it was surprisingly vibrant. This one seemed not as vibrant, but color was still surprisingly dark, crimson. The nose of this wine had more aged character than the palate. Nose of mostly aged raspberry and black cherry, hint of mushroom, hint of bacon fat. Palate with iodine, aged blackberry and black cherry, a little bit herbaceous. Actually finished with a little more weight than I expected. The heyday of this one was probably 20 years ago, and this one is definitely on the downward trend. Still, a great history lesson!
I served this one blind to and a half dozen people or so, this wine had lots of guesses that it was an aged Brunello, one Barolo, one straight Sangiovese. Then the last guess? @Benjamin Keator .. "84 or 85 Napa Cab... Should have been opened 10 years ago." .... Mkkaaay, nailed it! However, I don't necessarily agree with the 10 years ago statement. Opened up a 76 not too long ago and it was surprisingly vibrant. This one seemed not as vibrant, but color was still surprisingly dark, crimson. The nose of this wine had more aged character than the palate. Nose of mostly aged raspberry and black cherry, hint of mushroom, hint of bacon fat. Palate with iodine, aged blackberry and black cherry, a little bit herbaceous. Actually finished with a little more weight than I expected. The heyday of this one was probably 20 years ago, and this one is definitely on the downward trend. Still, a great history lesson!
Aug 17th, 2019