2020 Chappellet Signature Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Tasting Notes
The Signature Cabernet Sauvignon has been our flagship wine for more than three decades. It is a benchmark for the long-lived hillside wines of the Napa Valley, full of structure and aging potential, yet seductively forward in its varietal character. The dry, rocky soils of Pritchard Hill produce small, intensely flavorful grapes. Crop thinning allows for full, even ripening and further elevates flavor complexity.
Luxuriously dark and concentrated, this wine displays alluring aromas of black cherry, dark plum, roasted coffee and bittersweet chocolate, as well as notes of clove, fresh herbs and baking spices. On the palate, it is beautifully lush and layered, with bright, underlying energy and a robust mountain structure that frames generous flavors of boysenberry and cassis, with hints of violet, anise, cinnamon and sweet oak emerging throughout a long, dramatic finish.
Growing Season & Harvest
The 2020 growing season began with a very dry winter, and while we benefitted from enough early spring rain to properly saturate the soils, the overall lack of precipitation limited canopy growth and led to an ideal fruit set with small clusters of highly concentrated berries. Summer brought temperate weather with no significant heat events, ensuring that the grapes were able to ripen slowly and uniformly. As a result, our wines from the 2020 vintage are vibrant and complex, with impeccable structures, alluring aromas and pure, focused varietal flavors.
Specs
Varietal Blend: 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot, 3% Merlot
Appellation: Napa Valley
Harvested: September 14 through September 26, 2020
Bottled: June 2022
25.0 - 28.0 Brix at Harvest
Alcohol: 14.7%
TA: .59 g/100ml
pH: 3.63
Winemaker: Phillip Corallo-Titus
What’s Included
2-bottles:
2x - 2020 Chappellet Signature Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Case:
12x - 2020 Chappellet Signature Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Chappellet is recognized as one of the great Napa Valley wineries, and one of the few which remains family owned. Today, the second generation is committed to continuing the vision of their parents, Donn and Molly Chappellet. Together, the siblings are dedicated to maintaining sustainable farming techniques, a relentless focus on wine quality, respect for Pritchard Hill’s natural beauty and the preservation of family ownership for generations to come.
Available States
AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
As of February 2026, the average price for Chappellet Pritchard Hill
Cabernet Sauvignon, excluding tax, is $298 per 750ml in the USA and
$316 per 750ml in the UK. While some Chappellet wines, such as the
Mountain Cuvée, can be found for under $50, the Pritchard Hill
Cabernet Sauvignon is an icon that ranks among the best of Napa
Valley.
Cabernet Sauvignon is $283 per 750ml bottle, excluding tax. Specific
vintages have varied, with the 2012 Corison Winery “Kronos Vineyard”
Cabernet Sauvignon priced at $249 per 750ml, and the 2020 Corison
Kronos Cabernet Sauvignon at $224.99 per 750ml. This wine is
consistently reviewed positively, with scores up to 97 points for
certain vintages, highlighting its elegance, purity, and complex
character, featuring notes of dark currant, espresso bean, black
cherry, and graphite minerality
@kaolis@losthighwayz@rjquillin@Winedavid59 but IIRC, Cathy was their winemaker in the 80s until a few years after she opened her own winery. Or maybe I’m misremembering the winery she was at earlier.
2020 Chappellet Cabernet Sauvignon
The bottle arrived this afternoon, so it didn’t get a chance to rest from its cross country shenanigans. Normally I try to get others to taste with me, but sadly no one was available - so just my thoughts today!
Upon PNP it’s a deep garnet color and a muted nose. I did pick up some berry and oak both in the nose and upon first sip. It initially came across slightly acidic and a little tannin-y in addition to the berry and oak. It did stand up for our dinner and complimented the pork potato nachos.
After 60 minutes open
Oak still present but the wine opened up a bit and not so acidic. At this point it’s more tart on the back end. The flavors have become more nuanced. [edit] I was having issues pinpointing the flavors, but dark plum, chocolate and warm spices makes sense.
I’m normally not a cab drinker because of oak, but this one wasn’t too bad. If someone offered me a glass I wouldn’t be mad at it.
As always, thanks WCC, WineDavid, Terry and crew for the opportunity to rat!
@chipgreen not sure if that or travel shock - it got off the truck at 4:30 central time and I cracked it open about 7:30p. I’ll check tomorrow and report back.
CT notes are quite favorable, with only one negative review. I’m not in the market for reds right now but would probably roll the dice on a 2 pack if I were.
@hscottk I, too, read thru CT. Only 1 reviewer cited a warning. Not sure it’s justified. I’ve found the Signature cabs to be solid drinkers and the price is well below normal market pricing. Case pricing is ridiculous.
@klezman
I think “flagship” refers more to long-term popularity than anything. The wine that pays the bills, like Scott Harvey’s red label Mountain Zin.
@chipgreen not how I interpret that term, but fair enough. I don’t think Scott would call the red label his flagship, though - probably the 1869, Cathedral, and Cattedrale
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
2020 Chappellet Signature Cabernet Sauvignon - $100 = 16.66%
A little useless info…I bought three of these in September for $39 from last bottle as a mystery wine, although it was pretty much determined to be this wine given the clues LB provided. I drank one of these a month or so ago, not a hint of smoke and I’m pretty sensitive to it. However, because of the fires this is the only 2020 they made and because of that I’m drinking my remaining two bottles sooner rather than later.
There was a bit of discussion about this wine on wineberserkers clickety click here
I have a few bottles of this in the cellar. I am sorely tempted but, given the circumstances under which I find myself today, it would be wildly irresponsible.
Having said that, this past fall, one of the best times I had was breaking out three bottles of this while grilling steaks at a rented beach house with friends. The combination of sea breeze, grilled meat, great conversation, and this wine is unforgettable.
If this pops up again when my millionaire-in-waiting status had changed for the better, I will be in for a case.
The case price is solid but I just have a feeling we will see this pop up on last bottle or wine spies again for cheaper. I did buy three on last bottle so willl refrain from purchasing.
I did open one around Thanksgiving, I remember being very fruit forward and primary and maybe a touch thin but I did not detect any hints of smoke. No official notes. I did not decant and I kind of regret it.
@losthighwayz ha, such a subjective question. At $39 I wasn’t disappointed. The fact I’m not really even considering this at $50 i suppose subconsciously tells me something. I really wish i had given the wine more attention when I opened it. Now I’m on an alcohol fast so couldn’t even unofficially “rat” this bottle.
Update to previous labrat tasting notes: I didn’t detect smoke last night or today. The nose doesn’t linger. It’s quite fruit forward and still complex on tasting. Seems to have held up well overnight.
@rjquillin@witchbug77 Followed my bottle two nights, held up, just put a stopper in and in the fridge overnight. Def some fruit here as others have noted.
Since I bought, I’ve popped a couple of my existing 2020s to reassure myself that I had made a good decision. Absolutely! This stuff is amazingly good…and at $41 or so, it was a steal! The 2020 is ripe and ready to drink.
@FritzCat@jmdavidson1
Pulled a cork a couple days ago. Dont detect any smoke, sure is plenty of fruit that almost makes it seem a touch sweetish, at least early on.
2020 Chappellet Signature Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Tasting Notes
Growing Season & Harvest
Specs
What’s Included
2-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
Not for sale on winery website, $1,140/case MSRP
About The Winery
Available States
AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Mar 23 - Tuesday, Mar 24
2020 Chappellet Signature Cabernet Sauvignon
2 bottles for $99.99 $50/bottle + $4/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $499.99 $41.67/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
Rats? Hoping the answer is yes. Wish I was one for this one. Anyone in Chicago thinking about doing a split?
@jmdavidson1 I’m also wondering where my rat bottle is
Smoke taint was my first thought
@losthighwayz not a hint. fantastic wine.
@losthighwayz @Winedavid59
and half the cost of the Corison
@rjquillin @Winedavid59 same pedigree? I know Corison is legendary but not as familiar with Chappallet
@losthighwayz @Winedavid59
Seems like their history began in '67
While Corison was a bit later and founded '87
@losthighwayz @rjquillin @Winedavid59 different style altogether however
@kaolis @losthighwayz @Winedavid59
Yes, agreed on style, but Chappellet has been around for quite some time now.
@kaolis @losthighwayz @rjquillin @Winedavid59 but IIRC, Cathy was their winemaker in the 80s until a few years after she opened her own winery. Or maybe I’m misremembering the winery she was at earlier.
@kaolis @klezman @losthighwayz @Winedavid59
Didn’t she have a spin with York Creek in the late 90’s? I thought the 96 or 97 Meritage was her doing.
@kaolis @losthighwayz @rjquillin @Winedavid59 Them too. But Wikipedia verifies my recollection: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathy_Corison
2020 Chappellet Cabernet Sauvignon
The bottle arrived this afternoon, so it didn’t get a chance to rest from its cross country shenanigans. Normally I try to get others to taste with me, but sadly no one was available - so just my thoughts today!
Upon PNP it’s a deep garnet color and a muted nose. I did pick up some berry and oak both in the nose and upon first sip. It initially came across slightly acidic and a little tannin-y in addition to the berry and oak. It did stand up for our dinner and complimented the pork potato nachos.
After 60 minutes open
Oak still present but the wine opened up a bit and not so acidic. At this point it’s more tart on the back end. The flavors have become more nuanced. [edit] I was having issues pinpointing the flavors, but dark plum, chocolate and warm spices makes sense.
I’m normally not a cab drinker because of oak, but this one wasn’t too bad. If someone offered me a glass I wouldn’t be mad at it.
As always, thanks WCC, WineDavid, Terry and crew for the opportunity to rat!
@witchbug77
Possibly entering a “dumb” phase? Based on notes of somewhat muted nose and flavors.
@chipgreen not sure if that or travel shock - it got off the truck at 4:30 central time and I cracked it open about 7:30p. I’ll check tomorrow and report back.
@chipgreen @witchbug77 any updates?
CT notes are quite favorable, with only one negative review. I’m not in the market for reds right now but would probably roll the dice on a 2 pack if I were.
@hscottk I, too, read thru CT. Only 1 reviewer cited a warning. Not sure it’s justified. I’ve found the Signature cabs to be solid drinkers and the price is well below normal market pricing. Case pricing is ridiculous.
Cellar tracker average value of $54
Not sure why this is being called the flagship given the higher priced wines they make.
@klezman
I think “flagship” refers more to long-term popularity than anything. The wine that pays the bills, like Scott Harvey’s red label Mountain Zin.
@klezman I think the CT price is low. Hard to find for less than $80-$90 all in these days.
@FritzCat @klezman Many of the CT notes are after the last bottle sale at $39 in September. That is probably skewing the CT price
@FritzCat @kaolis yeah, I figured it must have made an appearance on one of those sites to get that average purchase price.
@chipgreen not how I interpret that term, but fair enough. I don’t think Scott would call the red label his flagship, though - probably the 1869, Cathedral, and Cattedrale
This has been a favorite of mine for many years.
The case price is phenomenal (<half price).
Married guiltless leek
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
2020 Chappellet Signature Cabernet Sauvignon - $100 = 16.66%
Celebrating spring
/giphy full-feisty-apollo
A little useless info…I bought three of these in September for $39 from last bottle as a mystery wine, although it was pretty much determined to be this wine given the clues LB provided. I drank one of these a month or so ago, not a hint of smoke and I’m pretty sensitive to it. However, because of the fires this is the only 2020 they made and because of that I’m drinking my remaining two bottles sooner rather than later.
There was a bit of discussion about this wine on wineberserkers clickety click here
@kaolis well there was a smattering of some other wine, apologies too late to edit
@kaolis if link to WB not working and interested, maybe just try this:
https://www.wineberserkers.com/t/lastbottlewines-com-last-bottle-wines-deal-discussion-thread-part-2/304219/2247
I have a few bottles of this in the cellar. I am sorely tempted but, given the circumstances under which I find myself today, it would be wildly irresponsible.
Having said that, this past fall, one of the best times I had was breaking out three bottles of this while grilling steaks at a rented beach house with friends. The combination of sea breeze, grilled meat, great conversation, and this wine is unforgettable.
If this pops up again when my millionaire-in-waiting status had changed for the better, I will be in for a case.
Hi, anyone in N Tampa interested in a split??
@brucenie YES!!
@brucenie OK, I went ahead and got the case if you are still interested. Let me know.
@free2day33611 OOP’s look like we both have a case to split. I pushed the button.
The case price is solid but I just have a feeling we will see this pop up on last bottle or wine spies again for cheaper. I did buy three on last bottle so willl refrain from purchasing.
I did open one around Thanksgiving, I remember being very fruit forward and primary and maybe a touch thin but I did not detect any hints of smoke. No official notes. I did not decant and I kind of regret it.
@ern1 would you say it’s worth the $50
@losthighwayz ha, such a subjective question. At $39 I wasn’t disappointed. The fact I’m not really even considering this at $50 i suppose subconsciously tells me something. I really wish i had given the wine more attention when I opened it. Now I’m on an alcohol fast so couldn’t even unofficially “rat” this bottle.
Update to previous labrat tasting notes: I didn’t detect smoke last night or today. The nose doesn’t linger. It’s quite fruit forward and still complex on tasting. Seems to have held up well overnight.
@witchbug77
How did you store it overnight?
@rjquillin @witchbug77 Followed my bottle two nights, held up, just put a stopper in and in the fridge overnight. Def some fruit here as others have noted.
@kaolis @rjquillin
Just stoppered it and on the counter.
Yes, to split in Tampa to @brucenie if you did not see response above to your inquiry.
@brucenie, I went ahead and got the case as I stated above in your inquiry. Let me know if you are still interested in the split in Tampa.
Did I commit to a split on this with anyone?
They arrived today.
I can’t find any notes.
Likely bottles available…
Since I bought, I’ve popped a couple of my existing 2020s to reassure myself that I had made a good decision. Absolutely! This stuff is amazingly good…and at $41 or so, it was a steal! The 2020 is ripe and ready to drink.
@FritzCat Good to know. 60 out of 62 reviews on CT we’re positive.
@FritzCat @jmdavidson1
Pulled a cork a couple days ago. Dont detect any smoke, sure is plenty of fruit that almost makes it seem a touch sweetish, at least early on.