Chappellet excels at most anything they do. So this Hideaway Vineyard Cabernet, a 100% Cabernet, should be no surprise that it’s a deftly made wine. From the outset this is a rich, structured wine. It begins with moderate to heavy tannins, which support black cherry, blackberry, light campfire smoke, rhubarb, black tea leaf, soft cedar, wild flower and herbs, and light clove. Aged in mainly new French oak to subdue the tannins, this high elevation Cabernet fruit from Pritchard Hill is classic Napa Cabernet – ripe but restrained.
This is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Malbec, and 8% Petite Verdot. Purple in color, mostly opaque and bright. The nose has cassis, fresh herbs, cedar, leather and char. Nice texture. Medium tannins. Good balance. On the palate, this is nice. Good fruit. Black cherries, cassis, with some earthiness. Good finish. This seems about at peak but should drink well for another seven to ten years. Nice on its own, this will work with most (non-seafood) foods.