I am thrilled that Surdyk’s is once again offering the beautifully complex wines of Chappellet Winery from Napa Valley, California. I had the good fortune to represent Chappellet wines as a distributor sales representative, and several visits to the winery only reinforced my belief that Chappellet is a truly special place and is a consistent source of world class wines. The winery was started in 1967 by Donn and Molly Chappellet in a little known region of Napa Valley known as Pritchard Hill, and was the first high elevation vineyard in California. In addition to being breathtakingly beautiful, these vineyards are organically farmed and produce intensely concentrated mountain grapes that form the background for their age worthy red wines. The Chappellet 2012 Mountain Cuvee is a blend of traditional Bordeaux varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petite Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah. The aromas are rich and ripe, with cassis, blackberry and cherry fruits, as well as notes of mocha, coffee, baking spices, and toasty oak. On the palate this wine is very well balanced, with lush dark fruit supported by round tannins, and acidity that leads to a smooth, long finish. I absolutely love this wine and I am sure you will as well. Perfect with steak or grilled leg of lamb. -Drew Fuller, Wine Consultant