The most sought-after wine in our portfolio, this limited-production Cabernet Sauvignon represents the pinnacle of Chappellet winemaking, and is a testament to the elegant power and complexity of Pritchard Hill winegrowing. Like the great Bordeaux wines that first inspired Donn Chappellet, this wine is crafted by blending Cabernet Sauvignon with other classic Bordeaux varietals. The wine was aged for 20 months in 100 percent new French oak, and for an additional eight months in bottle prior to release. Grown exclusively on our rocky, mountainside vineyards, our Cabernets have consistently displayed an ability to age for several decades.
| Vintage: | 2008 |
| Wine Type: | Bold Red Wine |
| Varietal: | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Varietal Composition: | |
| 76% | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| 16% | Petit Verdot |
| 8% | Malbec |
| Appellation: | Napa Valley |
| Harvest Date: | September 11 - October 14, 2008 |
| Sugar: | 26-28 ° Brix at Harvest |
| Acid: | TA - 0.59g/100ml |
| PH: | 3.76 |
| Barrel Aging: | |
| 20 months | |
| 100% | French |
| Ageability: | 15-18 years |
| Bottling Date: | August 18, 2010 |
| Alcohol %: | 14.9 |
This exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon is a testament to the mountain terroir of Pritchard Hill and the exacting viticultural methods applied to its cultivation. As it is each vintage, our 2008 Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon was blended from a meticulous selection of the finest grapes from our most storied vineyard blocks. The result is a rich and multifaceted wine offering abundant ripe fruit aromas of blackberry, dark cherry and cola that flow from the glass. Dark chocolate and espresso notes add depth and definition to the fruit, while spicy oak aromas of cinnamon, clove and brown sugar contribute lively top notes to the wine’s charming personality. The palate is rich and mouthcoating, with lingering sweet berry and plumb flavors supported by hints of cedar and anise, which add an intriguing counterpoint to the fleshy texture. The tannins are both sizable and seamlessly integrated, making this a wine with excellent aging potential.
Spring 2008 was extremely dry, which prompted the vines to push out early. Though daytime temperatures were picture-perfect, cold evening temperatures and some frost made for challenging conditions. Moderate, consistent temperatures continued throughout the summer, setting up excellent conditions for ripening rich, balanced fruit at harvest.
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