Valentine’s Day is a special day, so what better to woo your better half, than a prestigious bottle.   Hailing from Saint Helena, California, Chappellet Mountain Cuvée 2013 comes from the hills of Napa County, and features a similar blend to many Bordeaux blends.  This means it features red grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot carefully chosen to build a great wine experience.  This deep mix of reds should add complexity, and one of the best growing seasons in one of the best growing regions, means that Chappellet Mountain Cuvée 2013 is positioned to be a great choice.  Can it deliver for a special occasion though?

Sight:  A dark, inky core with a purplish hue and ruby edges.

Smell:  A deep bouquet of jammy blueberries, blackberries, and boysenberry lead off.  Black pepper and bay leaf play nicely, adding spice and herbs to the mix.  A smooth, creamy vanilla and spice smell generates an added layer of complexity.

Sip:  The mouthfeel is smooth right off the bat, and it gets bolstered by an uplifting wave of brightness.  There is a vanilla creaminess that starts things, and is followed by fresh red plum, jammy blackberry, and blueberry.  Mocha is present for an earthy element, and compliments the heavy nature.  Bay leafs, spice, and black tea come into play, adding depth

Savor:  The aftertaste pulls in mocha, espresso, black plum, and blackberry.  The black tea nature continues working effectively.The finish features smooth tannins, keeping the graceful.

Chappellet Mountain Cuvée is smooth, lively, and dynamic in all the right places.  The grace of the smoothness, lacing with the bright fruit, is intricate, and delivers with the earth, herbs, and dark fruits.  With a strong tannic backbone, this wine is a great choice for valentines day, or any special occasion where lamb, beef, or venison is served.  If you are in the market for a great red wine, in the $30 price range, Chappellet Mountain Cuvée delivers in spades.

Verdict:   Smooth, Vanilla, Mocha, Jammy Blackberries, Herbal
Rating: 93
Price:  $30
Saint Helena, California