Cakebread Cellars : Chardonnay 2014

A Rich and Versatile Napa Valley Chardonnay

Cakebread Cellars was founded in 1973, when Jack Cakebread and his wife Dolores purchased their first property in Rutherford from a family friend. By 1974, the Cakebread Cellars winery had been constructed, just in time for their inaugural harvest of the 1973 Chardonnay. Over time, the small family business grew as the Cakebreads began adding carefully selected vineyards to their portfolio. Today, they own 15 sites on a total of 1,617 acres in Napa Valley and Anderson Valley. Led by Winemaker Julianne Laks and Cellar Master Brian Lee, Cakebread Cellars produces a wide range of varietals from these coveted Californian terroirs, embracing modern techniques while remaining faithful to the company's core values.

The Napa Valley Chardonnay 2014 from Cakebread Cellars comes from Chardonnay grapes primarily (around 90%) grown in the cool-climate Carneros AVA of Napa Valley in California. The fog and cool breezes from the San Pablo Bay nearby allow for a long growing season. The grapes ripen slowly and gradually, while also retaining a bright acidity, which is maintained in the final product. The remaining 10% of the Chardonnay grapes come from warmer sites in the valley to add a ripe touch to the finished blend. The fruit is hand-harvested at night and pressed whole-cluster to preserve its intensity. The free-run juice is transferred to French oak barrels (96%) and stainless steel tanks (4%) for fermentation. After alcoholic fermentation is complete, 31% of the wine goes through malolactic fermentation to round out the acidity and add a more luscious texture. The barrel-fermented wine is aged on lees in 28% new oak French oak barrels with the lees stirred twice per week. This adds a creamy, yeasty character to the finished wine.

In the glass, the Napa Valley Chardonnay 2014 from Cakebread Cellars shows off a pale, straw-yellow color. On the nose, this Napa Valley Chardonnay opens its bouquet with mild notes of creamy golden apple, Asian pear, honeydew melon and lemon peel. Lively and refreshing on the palate, the wine reveals a medium body, luscious texture and a great balance of flavors, including apple touched with sweet oak, pineapple and nutmeg. The finish is pleasantly long and very dry, also delivering a great minerality and spicy touches. A versatile wine that will pair beautifully with a wide range of dishes.