2012 Chappellet Mountain Cuvee

I'm finally getting back to the swing of things after my horrific travel week last week, so tonight I've decided to open a bottle I picked up last weekend in Grand Rapids, the 2012 Chappellet Mountain Cuvee.  This Napa County wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (39%), Merlot (35%), Malbec (12%), Petit Verdot (8%), Cabernet Franc (3%) and Syrah (3%), so pretty much every Bordeaux blending varietal and then some!

The wine is a lovely deep ruby in the glass with nice clarity.  The nose presents aromas of blackberry, cherry and cassis, overlaid with just a hint of toasted oak.  The taste is quite nice, with a blast of cherry cola up front that transitions to some earthy notes of cedar and baking spice midpalate.  The tannins are nicely balanced, supporting a velvety mouthfeel and long, voluptuous and very dry finish.  It's really a nice everyday wine that drinks like wines that are twice the price.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8, particularly at the bargain price I found this one, just $25!  The wine is from the highly regarded 2012 Napa vintage, and while it could be ageworthy it's really drinking nicely now.  Tonight I am enjoying this with a classic pairing of bacon-wrapped petit filet mignon, baked potato and grilled asparagus.  This nice bold wine it ideal with a nice steak.  Cheers!