Chimney Rock Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District comes entirely from the estate's parcels in the Stags Leap District and checks in as 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and the balance Petit Verdot and Malbec, all raised in 50% new barrels. It's clearly a successful 2022 and has a great nose of ripe red and black fruits, chocolaty wood, tobacco, and cedar pencils. A classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, it's medium to full-bodied and has a round, plush mouthfeel and outstanding length. I'd be thrilled to drink a bottle any time over the coming decade. It reminds me of the 2019. Hats off to winemaker Elizabeth Vianna for a brilliant classic cuvée in a challenging vintage.

A blend of 76.3% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19.8% Merlot, 3.5% Petit Verdot and 0.4% Malbec, Chimney Rock's 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Grown Stags Leap District offers up some peppery-clove spice notes and hints of hickory layered atop blackberries and black cherries. It's full-bodied, velvety and slightly open-knit but nicely concentrated, ending long, with hints of vanilla oak.

The nose is lifted and fresh, with aromas of wild blackberries, blueberries and herbs de Provence. The palate is full-bodied with notes of coffee beans, tobacco and cigar box. Drinkable now, but best from 2028.

The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) is a very pretty, soft wine. Red plum, spice, leather, spice and rose petal all meld together nicely. Pretty floral notes lift the finish. This Napa Valley Cabernet is a charmer. I would prefer to drink it over the next few years.