Cakebread Cellars 2012 Napa Chardonnay
Cakebread Cellars was founded, in 1973, by Jack and Dolores Cakebread, has been famous for its warm, gracious hospitality and unmatched wines. Jack and Delores has an enduring commitment to quality, their belief is that life’s occasions are elevated by good people, good food, and good wine flows through everything they do. Sharing these tenets and their journey not only brings them great joy, but also gives them the motivation to always look to improve and take great pride in sharing their family with your family. In 2013, Cakebread Cellars celebrated their 40th harvest, and the second generation of winemaking, (Cakebreads now running the winery), and has become one of the most successful and respected wineries in America, renowned for its world-class vineyards, wines, and hospitality.
Cakebread Cellars has vineyard properties located throughout Napa Valley and a location in the Anderson Valley. The winery ranches surrounding the production facility in Rutherford are where it all began. The first 22 acre parcel was purchased in 1972. Over the years, the family has continued to acquire additional vineyard parcels throughout Napa Valley and the North Coast. Today, the winery owns 13 sites totaling 982 acres, 460 of which are currently planted. Their thoughtful acquisition plan and development of vineyard land has enabled Cakebread to better control the quality of the fruit they grow and the wines they make.
Now opening a bottle of their 2012 Chardonnay, I see an intense pale yellow color and notice wonderful aromas of fresh fruit and citrus. Tasting the wine I notice a layer of complexity I didn’t see when I tasted the 2011 vintage. I found white peaches, green apples, Asian pears and a touch of melon on the palate concluding with subtle citrus flavors and a crisp mineral finish with slight oaky hints. Although I would like a bit more oak, this Chardonnay was a delight to drink. Summer is hear and this Chardonnay will certainly be opened and enjoyed on a warm summer day. Note: I like to serve Chardonnay around 52 to 55 degrees to enable the flavors to develop and come forth. Be sure to visit the Cakebread Website for a ton of recipes, including videos.
Cheers!