Chappellet Winery
Chappellet Winery is renowned for Cabernet Sauvignon and Chenin Blanc grown on Pritchard Hill east of the Oakville AVA. The winery was founded over 30 years ago long before there was much interest in this isolated part of the Napa Valley.
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Donn and Mary Chappellet have been running Chappellet Winery since they established it over 30 years ago. In 1967, Donn and Mary moved from Beverly Hills to Pritchard Hill just to the east of Oakville. The couple’s sons, Mark, John, and Cyril, are also involved in the family business.
The vineyards and winery are located 1,800 feet above the Napa Valley just south of Lake Hennessy. At this elevation, the vines are above the fog line and the weather is sunny and windy. The 180 acre estate vineyard is planted with 7 acres of highly valued Chenin Blanc.
The 2002 Chappellet Napa Dry Chenin Blanc is made with estate grapes as well as some fruit sourced from the St Helena AVA. 75% of this wine was fermented in stainless steel containers and 25% was fermented in 1-2 year old French oak barrels. It has apple aromas, and peach and tropical fruit flavors framed with a nice amount of acidity. Chappellet has been making Chenin Blanc since 1968.
In addition to Chenin Blanc winemaker Phillip Corallo produces about 25,000 cases a year of several different varietals. Some of the other wines include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Chardonnay, Las Piedras (red Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec).
