Friday I broiled a steak, with broccoli and some assorted leftovers. I
went looking for a CalCab, though what I actually brought up was a
blend - the 2004 Chappellet "Mountain Cuvee (Napa). 60% CS, 34%
Merlot, 4% CF, 2% PV. Ripe and balanced black cherry and currant
fruit, some vanillin oak and a bit of lead pencil. The fruit is giving
and expansive, but there is a bit of acidity to keep it lively.
Tannins are moderate and fine. This could probably age a bit more,but
it's pretty tasty now with a ribeye. Holds well through the night,
though last glass is a bit softer/jammier, without the liveliness.
Very good wine for $21 Napa. B++

Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent
wine, B a good wine, C mediocre. Anything below C means I wouldn't
drink at a party where it was only choice. Furthermore, I offer no
promises of objectivity, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency.

Dale,

Thanks for posting the TN. I was at my local wine shop the other day
and rather than do an impulse buy I wrote down all the wines they had
that I had an interest in and then went home and researched them. The
Chappellett came out as one of the top wines of the bunch along with
another CSM called Hedges Red Mountain.

On Mar 9, 2:46�am, wrote:
> Dale,
>
> Thanks for posting the TN. I was at my local wine shop the other day
> and rather than do an impulse buy I wrote down all the wines they had
> that I had an interest in and then went home and researched them. The
> Chappellett came out as one of the top wines of the bunch along with
> another CSM called Hedges Red Mountain.

just saw positive notes elsewhere on the 2005 version.