Almost 50 years ago, Cakebread released its' very first wine: a 1973 Napa Valley Chardonnay, and have been fine-tuning it ever since. Grapes for this wine come from the world-famous Carneros appellation in southern Napa Valley. This region sits just north of San Pablo Bay, whose influence provides the cool, windswept conditions that produce Chardonnay with ideal balance between fruit characters and acidity. Soils here are predominantly Haire Loam, a light clay that helps grapevines naturally regulate vigor for fruit of intense concentration.

Grapes were harvested by night in small batches, then pressed directly into tank as whole clusters. The juice was transferred into French oak barrels to ferment. In order to achieve maximum fruit expression, we aged the wine on its yeast lees for nine months with intermittent stirring to enhance texture and boost complexity.

Harvest Note
Consecutive winters with abundant rainfall refreshed soil profiles and supported vigorous vine growth across Carneros. The region’s hallmark warm days and cool nights throughout spring and summer provided optimal conditions for steady ripening and acid retention. Consistently warm temperatures into August and September enhanced flavor concentration and aromatic development in Chardonnay clusters.
Tasting Note
Aromas of yellow delicious apple, lemon curd, white peach, and vanilla bean rise alongside notes of jasmine and crème brulee. On the palate, layers of fresh citrus, poached pear, and melon unfold, accented by hints of vanilla biscotti. The finish is long and refined, carrying both creamy and mineral textures in perfect harmony.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 100% Chardonnay
APPELLATION: Napa Valley
PH: 3.39
ACIDITY: 0.66 g/l
ABV: 13.8%
AGING: 9 months in French oak; 27% new, 11% once-used, 62% neutral
MALOLACTIC FERMENTATION: 4.0%
Unique Selling Points
  • Grapes come from world-famous Carneros appellation in southern Napa Valley
  • Whole cluster pressed, barrel fermented and aged 9 months in 27% new French Oak
  • 4% malolactic fermentation for balance of richness, vibrancy and fruit expression

About the Grape

Chardonnay
Though it has a distinctive profile, Chardonnay reflects other factors such as soil composition and vinification technique. Chardonnay is a reliable, hardy and prolific vine whose only real vulnerabilities are frost and uneven development of fruit.
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