96 Antonio Galloni - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

"The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill is a wine that should only be bought by the very patient. An infant today, the 2009 is all about promise and potential. The wine possesses stunning depth and concentration, with fabulous balance and tons of personality. The only thing it needs is time. This dark, brooding Cabernet Sauvignon is a lot to look forward to. The 2009 is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Petite Verdot and 10% Malbec. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2034.

Today Pritchard Hill seems to be the place everyone wants to be in Napa Valley. The Chappellets were the first to recognize the value and potential of these pristine mountain sites above St. Helena. In addition to making noteworthy wines, the Chappellets were also very smart to trademark the Pritchard Hill name. Unfortunately, that means no other winery can use the designation ‘Pritchard Hill’ on their labels. If Napa Valley is to become recognized throughout the world as a region loaded with first-class terroirs, Pritchard Hill has to be an official AVA (rather than being lumped into St. Helena as it is today), and Chappellet has to allow their neighbors to use the Pritchard Hill designation, which will only bring this corner of Napa Valley more prestige. As for the wines themselves, well, they are terrific. The Chappellet Cabernets are distinguished by a relatively low presence of Cabernet Sauvignon, while Malbec and Merlot play important roles in the blends."