Chappellet Napa Valley Cabernet Franc 2021

96 Points Tasting Panel Accompanied by small percentages of the four other Bordeaux varieties, this Pritchard Hill- born Cabernet Franc shows verve and sensual textures of graphite, violets, and fresh herbs. An underlying chalkiness denotes plum skin and dusty cocoa. Sweet soil and rich dark chocolate create a path to a well-defined, crushed- velvet finish of blueberry.

95 Points Jeb Dunnuck Looking first at the 2021 Cabernet Franc, this beauty is based on 78% Cabernet Franc, 7% each Merlot and Malbec, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Red and black currants, fresh figs, savory flowers, spicy wood, and some camphor notes all soar from the glass, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a pure, elegant mouthfeel, beautiful tannins, and outstanding length. This is a stunning Cabernet Franc to enjoy over the coming 15 years or more.

95 Points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate Chappellet's 2021 Cabernet Franc is quite floral on the nose, those hints of violets and sage blossoms adding a wonderful lift to the vanilla-accented cherries and raspberries at the core of the wine. Full-bodied and richly concentrated, with a long finish that's simultaneously dusty and mouthwatering, this is almost approachable already, yet it looks to have the potential to age well for at least two decades. The final blend is 78% Cabernet Franc, 7% each Malbec and Merlot, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Petit Verdot.

94 Points James Suckling A dark red with aromas of blackberries, dark cherries, cassis and sweet spices. Medium to full body with fine tannins. Plush and opulent with a concentration of dark fruit at the center and a lively finish with excellent length. Yet remains very fresh. Just a hint of tannin austerity keeps it lively.

93 Points Wine Enthusiast Aromatics and flavors with a mix of fresh Italian herbs, ripe juicy plum, graphite and light cocoa powder provide satisfying, mouthfilling flavor. Supple tannins and mouthwatering acidity carry into an impressively long finish in this generous and delicious Cabernet Franc accented by the full host of other Bordeaux varieties—Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot.