The Chappellet family has a long and distinguished history with Cabernet Sauvignon, and its winemaker Phillip Corallo-Titus is one of the best in the business. The Mountain Cuvee, a red Bordeaux-style blend, plays off of both strengths and does so at a modest price, though I suspect the price has something to do with the fact that it’s a Napa County blend as opposed to a Napa Valley blend. Leaning heavily on Cabernet Sauvignon (44 percent) this vintage exhibits ripe aromas of blackberry and cassis, exceptional density and palate weight, and supple tannins that are beginning to round out and soften.
Chappellet, Napa County (California) 2018
By Robert Whitley