Wine Reviews
Scents of brioche, raspberry, vanilla-poached fig, and a wealth of florals including rose and violet shimmer across this 100% Cabernet Franc. Juicy yet silky, the palate is in line with the nose while adding touches of peach, pomegranate, and peppery fennel to the mix
Baguette and Anjou pear, a drizzle of honey and a minerally streak pair up nimbly on the nose of this polished blend of Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay, joined by delicate citrus that also informs the texture of the palate—where yellow peach, both flesh and skin, and mouthwatering acidity come into play before the high-toned finish
Certified Sustainable Winegrowing is just one feat from this charming white wine. With zero sugar and 2-1/2 carbs per serving, the palate engages with clean mineral notes, lifted by a high-toned acidity. Lemon wedge and honeyed pears gleam, with pretty white petals on the finish. Totally impressive
Also impressive is the label’s Chardonnay, also containing no sugar, gluten free, and at three carbs per serving. Creamy notes of vanilla pudding are graced with Key lime and butterscotch, but the core is ultimately lean and lively, A truly modern style white
Founded in the early 1970s, Cakebread Cellars began with a land purchase in Rutherford and now owns 243ha of vines across 16 vineyards, mostly in Napa. Winemaker at the time Stephanie Jacobs usually included a dash of Cabernet in this bottling. Merlot from Suscol Springs Ranch in the valley’s cooler southeast joins fruit from warmer valley-floor sites in the Rutherford AVA. Ageing for 17 months in 44% new French oak gives this wine plushness. Ronan Sayburn MS: Nose is open, floral and ripe. Sweet summer berry fruit and a little graphite. Lean minerality on an elegant palate. A refined wine. Eugenio Egorov: Vibrant, fresh. Redcurrant and blackcurrant with notes of black pepper and sweet tobacco. Lively acidity and good structure. Ben Gubbins: Dark fruits, toasty mocha, blackberry jam, bramble leaf and vanilla on the nose. Refreshing acidity. Powerful, almost hedonistic.
