Napa Valley Chardonnay Reserve 2022
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.
91 Points
Wine Enthusiast
2022 vintage
93 Points
jamessuckling.com
2022 vintage
Harvest Note
The 2022 season was mild and even, with summer days characterized by moderate heat and steady ripening. Drought conditions persisted across Napa Valley, they allowed the vines to naturally control their vigor and yields, resulting in small, concentrated berries ideal for complex and long-lived Chardonnay.
Tasting Note
Aromas of spice-poached pears, ripe apple, honey, and a touch of vanilla lead to a well-balanced, refreshing yet creamy mid-palate and lively acidity. The long finish highlights notes of golden pear and apple.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 100% Chardonnay
APPELLATION: Carneros
PH: 3.47
ACIDITY: .62/100ml
ABV: 13.8%
AGING: Aged for 14 months in a mix of French oak barrels and large oak puncheons
MALOLACTIC FERMENTATION: 38% of the blend
Unique Selling Points
- 100% estate grown in four 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.
