********************* 1292 **********************
last week I got to come up here with my wino friends, the drive was a bit stiff, 1 lane only when you got on Sage Canyon Road, for 3 miles long, you would see this beautiful Lake Hennessy that I've never know it exists before?!?!
And if you think you think you can check in here, absolutely no cell phone reception in this part of town!
"The Chappellet family's romance with Pritchard Hill started more than 40 years ago when Donn and Molly Chappellet first glimpsed its magnificent vista of forests and wildflower-filled meadows. Inspired by the notion that Bacchus loves the hills, the Chappellets followed the advice of renowned winemaker André Tchelistcheff and settled on Pritchard Hill's rocky slopes, becoming the FIRST WINERY to plant vineyards exclusively on high-elevation hillsides. From these Pritchard Hill vineyards, the Chappellets have been crafting extraordinary, age-worthy wines since 1967." According to their history on their website, how amazing it is, and last week, I got to meet Molly Chappellet, she comes to the winery daily, wow!
Molly is the author of three books: A Vineyard Garden, the James Beard Award winning book that discusses her ideas from the earth for entertaining, gardening and life; The Romance of California Vineyards, authored with her daughter Carissa, features breathtaking photographs of the Napa Valley; and, Gardens of the Wine Country, co-authored with Richard Tracy takes you on an exclusive tour of the Napa Valley's most spectacular gardens.What and honor it was for me to meet her and talk to her about her passion after 4 decades of being here in the valley.
Walking to the vineyards, you can see that they use solar panels on the roof to self sustain the electricity here. In 2008, Chappellet unveiled a 20,000-square-foot solar photovoltaic system that generates enough energy to offset 100 percent of the winery's electricity bill.
Chappellet's entire Pritchard Hill vineyard was certified organic by CCOF in 2012; Chappellet also has an extensive onsite grape pomace composting program, producing approximately 400,000 pounds of compost each year.
They have a program that conserve water. The Chappellets have maintained the natural of Pritchard Hill, only 16% of the property is under vine, the rest remains natural and wild. Their vineyard equipment runs on 50% biodiesel. Think about that for a moment.
- 2012 Las Piedras $52 - This Bordeaux varietals is simply beautiful, rouded, elegant, voluptuous expression of mountain winegrowing. The aromas are deep and alluring, with concentrated layers of dark berry, cassis, anise, oak, bay leaf and cedar adding to the Bordeaux-like aromas. On the palate, it is smooth, round and mouth-coating, with velvety tannins, jammy dark fruit, coffee, herbs and sweet oak underscore the ripe fruit that carries through on the long finish. My favorite wine that I've tried at Chappellet.
- 2012 Signature Chardonnay - Rich, complex and lushly textured this is a profound expression of California Chardonnay, balance buttery on the nose. Concentrated aromas of pineapple, quince, apricot, and fresh cream spill from the glass. On the palate, the texture is viscous and weighty, showcasing layers of baked apple, crème fraîche.
- 2012 Signature Cabernet Sauvignon $56 - a phenomenal 2012 growing season has yielded a head-turning wine with gorgeous aromas of ripe berry and cherry, as well as layered notes of cola, cedar and fresh herbs. As it evolves, additional hints of plum, anise and sage are revealed adding nuance and complexity. On the palate, this wine is lush and supple, with round tannins and powerful mountain-grown favors of juicy, sun-ripened blackberry, dark cherry, roasted coffee and dark chocolate. Only $56 per bottle of Napa valley wine, almost unheard of price point for something this good and smooth. This wine you can cellar for sometimes.
We also got to try Chenin Blanc, Cab Franc and Petit Syrah which are rarely produced in the Valley much by itself.
Chappellet offers a variety of tasting experiences in their iconic pyramid. Guests will sample limited-production wines crafted exclusively for our Pritchard Hill Club, tour our historic facility and, if weather permits, walk in the beautiful vineyard, over looking Lake Hennessy. Normally a 90-minute experience, you will discover Pritchard Hill's terroir and the role it plays in producing Chappellet's world-class wines. Appointments are required, so DO NOT WALK IN and complain about it, the tastings range in price from $35 to $75 per person.
We had Toni to tour us and she was fantastic. If you want reasonable price point, iconic Napa and award winning wines, check out Chappellet, and book a month in advance for weekend visit. read more