Chappellet "Signature" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Napa, California

"Just pick one out.  It doesn't matter which."  <- my cousin to me earlier one night this week, whilst I was snooping around her wine collection.  I see BV Pinot Noir- been there, done that.  Next. A bunch of Sterling Vineyards Chards.  Know what that tastes like.  (All of these wines decent, by the way.)  Hmm.  Then I stumbled upon a wine I wasn't familiar with, Chappellet Cabernet.  Pulled it out, had it approved by the cousins, and popped it open. 


Wow.  Immediately I knew I wasn't dealing with a sub $20 deal, this guy was a WINE.  The nose was a bit of fun, very spicy with dark fruit.  Danced on your nose kind of.  The first taste was seriously good.  This Cab blend is darkly rich and plummy, with a slight acidic bite at the outset.  After it breathes a bit, this Chappellet is very smooth, well-balanced and structured, with velvety tannins and a smoky, oak-y finish that increases in complexity as the wine opens up.  If you aged this guy a few years, you'd have a homerun-hitting wine.  Out of the park.  My mouth was happy for sure.


Turns out this bottle was a gift from a coworker.  Oopsy.  At least my cousins know their coworkers have good taste.  (And are pretty generous, this guy is going to run you ~$40!)

Technical Info:

Varietal: 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Malbec, 4% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc, 1% Merlot 

Alcohol: 14.9% 

Origin: Napa, CA

Price: $39.99 at wine shops (though the wine has been sold out for a while, so I've read)

Rachel's Grade: A   Forty big ones aren't going to get you a heck of a lot more than this.  I love blends because there's that mastery of flavors that's required of the winemaker.  When all of the notes sing in harmony it's a beautiful thing; and this wine has got a pretty little song to sing for sure.  If you're searching around for this guy and find yourself coming up empty handed, try going for the '08.  I hear excellent things about that as well.  Bottom line: thumbs way up.