Recent vintages have received similar accolades underscoring Chappellet’s reputation for making some of the world’s most structured and age-worthy cabernets. From 2007 to 2009, Chappellet was the only California winery to rank in the top 30 of Wine Spectator’s illustrious Top 100 list, and was the only winery in the world with a cabernet on the list each year.

Donn’s vision was to make Chappellet a family-owned winery for generations to come. All six of his children have been actively involved in the business. In 2013, he named son Cyril Chappellet as chairman. Donn remained actively engaged in helping to guide the second and third generations of Chappellets in their stewardship of the winery until his passing.

“Dad was the kindest, most thoughtful person,” says Cyril Chappellet. “He was our rock, our mentor, and an inspiration, not just to our entire family, but to so many others as well. He was also humble beyond belief. Despite everything he accomplished, he never took the credit. He always preferred to give others the stage. Along with my mom, my dad created the foundation that our family has been building on for the past 50 years. He believed that the best was still yet to come for Chappellet. Now it is our turn to honor that dream, and his wonderful legacy.”