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2023 Chappellet Cabernet Franc "Napa Valley"

Winery: Chappellet

Vintage: 2023

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Napa Valley"

Wine Category: Cabernet Franc

Grape blend: 80% Cabernet Franc, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon & 5% Merlot

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Napa Valley

State or country: CA

Price: $95

Cases produced: 10,000

KWG Score: 95.2 (based on 4 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Excellent (96)

Review date: August 7, 2026

Wine Review: This opaque deep ruby colored Cabernet Franc from Chappellet opens with a blueberry and espresso bouquet with hints of leather, tobacco, and sandalwood. On the palate, this wine is full bodied with integrated medium plus acidity. The mouthfeel is very well balanced, super smooth, and polished. The flavor profile is a stewed black plum and graphite blend with notes of red licorice and mulberry. We also detected hints of oak, green olive, and black tea. The finish is dry, and its flavors, acidity and well-managed moderate fine tannins are nicely sustained like a piano that just won’t stop. We would pair this luxurious Cab Franc with beef bourguignon. Enjoy - KWGTP

Winemaker Notes: The 2023 vintage produced a powerful and concentrated expression of mountain-grown Cabernet Franc with elusive aromas of cassis, red currant, cedar, graphite, wild sage, and black tea, as well as hints of vanilla bean, leather, and toasty oak. On the palate it is layered and weighty, with earthy richness and exotic spice framing concentrated red and black fruit aromas. Dynamic from beginning to end with a fine-grained silky finish, this is a powerhouse wine that remains beautifully balanced, graceful, and complex.

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