2012 Chappellet Cabernet Franc Pritchard Hill
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Tasting notes
Chappellet's 2012 Cabernet Franc is a real beauty, probably drinking at its best. Slight hints of mint and sage accent ripe cherries on the nose, while the medium to full-bodied palate is silky and elegant, framed by fine-grained tannins and possessing a soft, lingering finish. While there is no reason to delay gratification, there's sufficient fruit remaining to think it should drink well for another decade.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Dark red cherries, plums, smoke, mocha, pine and tobacco are all laced together in the 2012 Cabernet Franc. Dark, powerful and intense, the 2012 shows the more brooding side of the vintage. Chappellet's Cabernet Franc is more of a wine of place than of variety, partly because it is best described as a Cabernet Franc-based blend. Firm tannins support the muscular finish, but there is more than enough fruit to provide balance. Savory herbs and floral overtone add the final layers of complexity. In 2012 the blend includes 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot and 4% Malbec.
About the producer
Founded in 1967, Chappellet is a pioneering, family-owned Napa Valley estate on Pritchard Hill, where it helped establish the tradition of high-elevation viticulture. Its mountain-grown wines are renowned for their depth, elegance and longevity, led by Cabernet Sauvignon.