At a glance

Producer

Chappellet Vineyard

Region

Napa Valley, California, USA

Grape variety

Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$120-$150

Tasting profile

Deep, intense blackcurrant, graphite, wild blackberry, mountain herbs, violet, cedar; currently dominated by dense primary fruit and oak spice

Evolution: Over the next decade, tannins will integrate, tertiary notes of tobacco, earth, mocha, and dried herbs will emerge; mid-palate will gain plushness and nuance

At peak: Classic Napa mountain Cabernet profile: powerful yet refined, with layered dark fruit, savory minerality, and a persistent, lively finish

Structure

Acidity

Medium-plus; enough to support aging and freshness

Tannins

Firm and abundant; modern mountain-grown structure with long, ripe development

Alcohol

14.5% ABV (typical for Napa South-facing mountain sites)

Aging potential

20+ years in top vintages; this 2018 can age gracefully until at least 2040

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2027 to 2036

Optimal window

2024 to 2040

Current status

Young and age-worthy; approachable but will improve markedly with further cellaring

Current condition

Tightly structured; primary fruit still forward, but tannins beginning to soften

2018 was a classic, long, and moderate growing season in Napa, yielding wines of exceptional balance and structure. The Altimeter vineyard, set on volcanic soils at altitude, delivers extra freshness and tannic backbone, extending its aging curve. Top vintages from Chappellet's mountain holdings are known to age 20-25+ years, with 2018 among the most promising of the last decade.

Food pairing

Best with dry-aged ribeye or New York strip steak, rack of lamb with rosemary, braised short ribs, wild mushroom risotto, or aged Gouda/Comté cheeses. Decant for game or richer beef dishes.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (2-3 hours) — Substantial young tannins and intensity; decanting helps open aromatics and soften the attack

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Organic farming (not certified organic but no synthetic herbicides), cover cropping for erosion control, on-site solar power, water recycling, natural habitat preservation, lightweight glass, cork recycling, 100% estate-grown grapes

Chappellet has a longstanding commitment to sustainability—estate vineyard operations are Napa Green and CCSW certified, focusing on water conservation (drip irrigation, soil moisture monitoring), cover crops, habitat corridors, and solar-driven winery energy (producing nearly all winery power onsite). Packaging is responsibly sourced and glass is relatively light. While not certified organic or biodynamic, Chappellet minimizes chemical use and makes substantial efforts in vineyard ecosystem health and renewable energy, placing this wine at or above the forefront of environmental best practices among comparable Napa producers.