Chappellet/New Releases/Napa Valley 2014 Chardonnay/2014 Mountain Cuvee

Chappellet has been one of the best wineries in Napa valley for decades.Phillip titus makes the wines and the Chappellet family does everything else.The wines are world class and the vineyard site on Pritchard Hill is one of the best sites in the world for growing grapes.The Chappellet family’s romance with Pritchard Hill started more than four decades ago when Donn and Molly Chappellet first glimpsed its magnificent vista of forests and wildflower-filled meadows. Inspired by the notion that Bacchus loves the hills, the Chappellets followed the advice of renowned winemaker André Tchelistcheff and settled on Pritchard Hill’s rocky slopes, becoming the first winery to plant vineyards exclusively on high-elevation hillsides. From these Pritchard Hill vineyards, the Chappellets have been crafting extraordinary, age-worthy wines since 1967. Our fist new release is the Napa valley Chardonnay 2014. With lovely ripeness and definition, as well as fresh, lively acidity, this Chardonnay shows the exceptional quality of the 2013 vintage. Enticing fruit layers of Meyer lemon, apple, pineapple and nectarine rise from the glass, underscored by hints of nutmeg, butter, cinnamon and orange blossom. On the palate, zesty flavors of orange and Key lime are complemented by rich oak-inspired notes of vanilla, crème fraîche, caramel and brioche that carry through to a long, satisfying finish. Chappellet began to cultivate Chardonnay on Pritchard Hill in the 1970s but over time learned that we could source better Chardonnay from vineyards with marine influences enjoying foggy mornings and cool evenings. Chappellet has established long-term farming contracts with a number of elite Chardonnay growers for over two decades including Kelly Ranch, in Coombsville, Poe Vineyard in Napa-Carneros, and Red Hen Vineyard in Oak Knoll. Burgundian in character, our Chardonnay is made in the French style: bright fruit flavors, acidity, minerality and subtle hints of oak. We have to think it is a wonderful food-friendly wine that compliments a broad range of dishes.The straight forward fruit is similar to walking in the vineyard and taking a hand full of grapes on a warm day just before crush. We have also the 2014 Mountain Cuvee. The Monutain Cuvee has interesting tasting notes. The aromas are rich and enticing, with concentrated layers of blueberry and blackberry, as well as notes of baking spice and toasted wood from aging in French oak barrels. Subtle hints of dark chocolate, bay leaf and black pepper round out the aromas. On the plush, rich palate, this wine is immediately hedonistic and satisfying. Mouth coating avors of black cherry and cassis arelayered with clove and vanilla, while integrated tannins give balance and structure to this complex blend of Bordeaux varietals. Blend: 43% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petit Verdot, 7% Malbec, 5% Cabernet Franc Featuring vivid fruit and rich, soft tannins this red blend beautifully expresses the distinctive qualities of the traditional Bordeaux varietals. The aromas and flavors entice with dark berries, ripe plum, vanilla and spicy oak. Smooth, lingering finish. It's hard to find a wine close to this price that is this good!Plain and simple...one of the best,and why not it's Chappellet.I will follow this features with a few past features with Phillip Titus and Cyril Chappellet. I hope your weekend has been filled with great people and a healthy feast to celebrate the best country on the planet!Cheers!