Napa Valley Chardonnay 2024
Trade Tools
America / Napa Valley
More than 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, providing the cool, windswept conditions that produce Chardonnay with ideal balance between fruit characters and acidity. Soils are predominantly Haire Loam, a light clay that helps vines develop intense fruit concentration.
93 Points
jamessuckling.com
2024 vintage
Harvest Note
Consecutive winters with abundant rainfall refreshed soils and supported vigorous vine growth. Carneros’ hallmark warm days and cool nights in 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.
Tasting Note
Aromas of apple, lemon curd, peach, and vanilla with notes of jasmine and crème brûlée. On the palate, fresh citrus, pear, and melon. The finish is long and refined with well-balanced creaminess and minerality.
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
- Fruit comes from the world-famous Carneros appellation in southern Napa Valley
- Grapes are hand harvested at night, whole cluster pressed and barrel fermented
- Aged on lees for nine months; intermittent stirring to enhance texture and complexity
- 4% malolactic fermentation for a balance of richness, vibrancy and fruit expression
“Napa Valley Chardonnay is concentrated, rich and ripe in style with fresh acidity and impeccable balance.”
Niki Williams, Winemaker
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.
