One of the outstanding producers in Napa, Chappellet was founded by visionary Donn Chappellet, Donn began his wine education by collecting Bordeaux wines while in college. He later ran Interstate United Corporation, a coffee-vending distributorship he co-founded in the mid-1950s, which he helped turn into the third-largest such business in the United States, with more than 7,000 employees and a listing on the New York Stock Exchange.
He finally decided to sell his shares of Interstate United in 1966 and guided by the legendary winemaker Andre Tchelistcheff of Beaulieu Vineyards bought 320 acres of rocky mountain terrain at the eastern edge of the Napa Valley. Donn saw this terroir as one which would connect with the great wines of Bordeaux. He saw the potential for Pritchard Hill and initially planted Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon which was met with great critical acclaim. Sadly passing in 2016, Donn became a legend of this great site in the Napa Valley.
A winemaker needing no introduction, Phillip Corallo-Titus has been at Chappellet remarkably since 1990. A graduate of UC Davis, Phillip spent time traveling to both Bordeaux and Burgundy to learn about these esteemed regions. In 1981, Phillip joined the Chappellet team as assistant winemaker, and then in1990, Donn Chappellet invited Phillip to return to the winery as Chappellet’s winemaker, a position he has held ever since.
I love the new wines especially the 2021 Chappelllet ‘Dutton Ranch’ Pinot Noir (OB, 94) which is rich and viscous with salty tones. Learn more about this famed Napa estate at chappellet.com Here are the beautiful new wines by Chappellet.
2021 Chappellet ‘Sangiacomo Vineyard’ Chardonnay- This outstanding new wine come from three Carneros sites that utilizes Robert Young, Hyde and Catarina clonal selection Chardonnay. This comes off nicely textured and fresh with a smooth mouthfeel. Layers of buttercream, honeydew melon, juicy peach and nutty undertones combine on the palate. Lovely to savor now, this has both the stuffing and verve to cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2023-2033- 93
2021 Chappellet ‘Dutton Ranch’ Pinot Noir- The 2021 ‘Dutton Ranch’ Pinot Noir comes from this stored site that was first established back in 1967. This edition utilizes a range of clonal selection Pinot Noir. Very soft and supple on the mouth, this has wonderful salty undertones alongside freshly tilled loamy soils, black cherry, cola and red raspberry with lavender notes that all seamlessly combine on the palate. Complex and delicious, enjoy this beauty now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2023-2038- 94