Napa Valley Chardonnay Reserve 2023
Trade Tools
America / Napa Valley
Chardonnay Reserve is vinified exclusively from grapes grown in Cakebread’s four Estate vineyards in the Carneros district of southern Napa Valley. These cool‐climate sites provide ideal conditions for world‐class chardonnay. A dozen superior clones of Chardonnay further enhance the quality and complexity of this wine. The grapes were night-harvested and whole-cluster pressed, and each clonal selection was barrel fermented and aged separately.
Harvest Note
A wet winter and spring led to healthy vine development through an extended growing season. Steady summer warmth drove slow, even ripening, building complexity and preserving acidity. Fall’s warm days and cool nights rounded out the vintage, producing Chardonnay with full flavor maturity, bright acidity, and a refined, elegant character.
Tasting Note
Aromas of pear, apricot and lemon zest mingle with apple and a touch of vanilla. On the palate, lemon curd, fig and pineapple unfold in layers with a silky and rich texture refreshing acidity and long finish.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 100% Chardonnay
APPELLATION: Carneros
PH: 3.44
ACIDITY: .571/100ml
ABV: 13.9%
AGING: 15 months in French Oak barrels & casks 38% new French oak
MALOLACTIC FERMENTATION: Partial
Unique Selling Points
- 100% estate grown in 4 sustainably farmed, cool-climate Carneros district vineyards
- A portion of the wine sees malolactic fermentation, to enhance richness and mouthfeel
- Aged on lees with period stirring to foster a rich, creamy mouthfeel
- A classic, oak-aged Chardonnay with complex aromas, rich texture and lush flavors
“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.
