Le Chapeau Blanc

Named in honor of Sir Peter Michael and his white Panama hat, ‘Le Chapeau Blanc’ reflects the history and beauty of this famed varietal from a historic site, nestled on a bench above the Napa Valley floor and below Pritchard Hill. Sourced from an original block of Cabernet Franc planted in 1983, Block 8 is only 2 acres and develops into a classic style of Cabernet Franc with silky tannins against dark fruits and savory highlights. 2018 was the first vintage of Le Chapeau Blanc and due to the limited acreage of the vineyard block and growing conditions, the wine is only produced in exceptional vintages.

Vintage Notes

The winter was drier than average with the last rains coming in March followed by moderate weather during bloom which resulted in good fruit set but very small, concentrated berries. Overall, 2021 was a mild, steady growth without major heat spikes and only one day over 100F in August and September. The ideal weather continued through harvest which began the second week of September and concluded September 30th. It was a truly exceptional growing season.

Winegrowing Notes

Located in the heart of the Oakville AVA’s famed red dirt in Napa Valley, the Le Chapeau Blanc block has a rich history as a source of many acclaimed wines. Planted in the foothills on the east side of the valley, on a raised bench of a gently sloping plateau, Cabernet Franc develops into a classic style with silky tannins against dark fruits and savory highlights. The site receives ideal sun exposure during the day, facilitating the development of the lush, intense fruit one would expect from such a magnificent property.

Winemaker's Tasting Notes

The 2021 ‘Le Chapeau Blanc’ flashes deep garnet red in the glass with a layered nose of rose petals, wild strawberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, violets and purple lilacs accented by hints of dried herbs, black truffle and vanilla. The pure, silky entry showcases exceptionally fine, velvety tannins which are beautifully refined and composed. The alluringly soft tannins continue into a juicy, broad mid-palate which expands into a remarkably long, elegant finish. This is a nearly spherical wine displaying great depth, concentration, fleshiness and polish—a Cabernet Franc that will continue to age well for decades.

Vintage Notes

The winter of 2017 and 2018 marked a return to normal cool temperatures in California. The rains were abundant in February, then diminished as budbreak occurred during the first week of April. Ideal weather during a delayed bloom allowed uniform flowering during the second week of June. Excellent weather with mild temperatures between 80º and 90ºF during the growing season continued throughout a long, unseasonably warm autumn. Veraison occurred during the first and second weeks of August, and harvest for ‘Le Chapeau Blanc’ took place October 9 and 12. This vintage features a high quantity of refined, high-quality tannins and is a strong vintage for both collectors and connoisseurs.

Winegrowing Notes

Located in the heart of the Oakville AVA’s famed red dirt in Napa Valley, the Le Chapeau Blanc block has a rich history as a source of many acclaimed wines. Planted in the foothills on the east side of the valley, on a raised bench of a gently sloping plateau, Cabernet Franc develops into a classic style with silky tannins against dark fruits and savory highlights. The site receives ideal sun exposure during the day, facilitating the development of the lush, intense fruit one would expect from such a magnificent property.

Winemaker's Tasting Notes

From the standout 2018 vintage, ‘Le Chapeau Blanc’ offers rich aromas of black cherry, cassis, and dark cacao with nuances of spice, including cinnamon and cardamom. The wine delivers a silky and lively entry, with polished structure across the mid-palate and exceptional balance. Elements of violets, vanilla, and sweet dried cherries marry with a hint of black tea, carrying through to an elegant and long, well-rounded finish.