Cakebread - Napa Valley Chardonnay 2022 (375ml HALF BOTTLE)
Price: $31.99
| Producer | Cakebread |
| Country | United States |
| Region | California |
| Subregion | Napa Valley |
| Varietal | Chardonnay |
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Sku | 6844 |
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Essentially, this is composed of the lots that don't go into the Reserve Chardonnay. The wine is treated very similarly, in that it is fully barrel-fermented, but the oak used is not new. There is not the preciousness of lot separation as in the Reserve, nor are the native yeasts allow to implant their distinct profile on the wines, but we have an unmistakebly cool, Carneros Chardonnay. Aging is a bit more reserved as well, with only 8 months in oak before bottling.
The entirety of Cakebread's successes are based on a photagraphy assignment back in 1972. Jack Cakebread, after shooting the 22-acre Sturdivant Ranch in Rutherford, asked the owners on a whim if they'd care to sell. He dropped his entire commission from the photography project on the property, and the next year, wine was in bottle.
There has been nothing but progress, engenuity, and environmental stewardship since then. Cakebread now encompasses 15 vineyards, or 1600 acres (of which 600 are planted) throughout the Napa and Anderson Valleys. Throughout this growth they've continued to improve energy usage (e.g. solar and microturbine installations, neutron probe technology for irrigation efficiency, and over 90% recycling of ALL of their generated waste) as well as complete land & environmental stewardship (e.g. limiting tree removal, establishing wildlife corridors, reducing run-off, protecting stream channels and planting native grasses). It's an incredible effort with exhaustive detail. You can stand by us, as we stand by them. Cakebread, as much as they could rest on their laurels after fifty years, continues to break boundaries.
Wine Spectator: 90 Points
Light and juicy, this glides along with a harmonious, fruit-forward mix of juicy green apple, lime sherbet and lemon meringue. Details of ginger, lemongrass and shortbread linger in the background. Drink now.
