Cabernet Sauvignon (1975)

About this wine

The 1975 Chappellet Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon and 17% Merlot, showcasing the winery's commitment to crafting balanced and expressive wines. Upon pouring, it presents a deep brick color, indicative of its maturity. The nose is rich with aromas of ripe black cherries, complemented by notes of chargrill, Black Forest cake, and star anise, creating a complex and inviting bouquet. On the palate, this medium to full-bodied wine offers flavors of plum sauce, blackberry preserves, and a hint of pata negra ham, all supported by a firm structure of grainy tannins that contribute to its impressive longevity. The finish is epically long, leaving layers of mineral, savory, and black fruit preserves that linger, reflecting the wine's remarkable aging potential and the unique terroir of Pritchard Hill.

About the grape

In the 1975 Chappellet Cabernet Sauvignon, the blend consists of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon and 17% Merlot. Cabernet Sauvignon, known for its thick skins and small berries, contributes deep color and robust tannins, providing the wine with structure and aging potential. Merlot, with its earlier ripening and softer tannins, adds suppleness and enhances the wine's fruit profile. This combination mirrors the traditional Bordeaux blending practice, balancing the firmness of Cabernet Sauvignon with the approachability of Merlot.

Quick facts

• 🍇 The 1975 Chappellet Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon and 17% Merlot, showcasing the winery's dedication to crafting balanced and complex wines.
• 🏞️ This vintage was produced entirely from estate-grown grapes on Pritchard Hill, known for its dry, rocky soils that yield intensely flavorful fruit.
• 🛢️ The wine underwent fermentation and maceration in stainless steel tanks for up to four weeks, enhancing its rich tannins and depth.
• 🪵 Aged for 20 months in French oak barrels, followed by additional bottle aging, this wine was designed for longevity and complexity.
• 🍷 Even decades after its release, the 1975 Chappellet Cabernet Sauvignon has been praised for its youthful character and aging potential, with critics noting its profound flavors and structure.

Palate profile

Producer

Chappellet Winery, established in 1967 by Donn and Molly Chappellet, was among the first post-Prohibition wineries in Napa Valley and the first to plant vineyards exclusively on high-elevation hillsides. Their inaugural 1969 Cabernet Sauvignon, crafted under winemaker Philip Togni, received critical acclaim and set a standard for mountain-grown wines. The winery's distinctive pyramid-shaped building, designed by artist Ed Moses, has been described as "the most remarkable wine cathedral of the modern world." Today, the second generation of the Chappellet family continues to uphold their parents' vision, focusing on sustainable farming and producing wines that reflect the unique terroir of Pritchard Hill.