Cakebread Cellars Chardonnay

The first wine released from Cakebread Cellars nearly 50 years ago was the 1973 Napa Valley Chardonnay. Today, the grapes behind this wine come from the cool Carneros appellation at the southern edge of Napa Valley. In this fog-shrouded appellation, the Pacific Ocean moderates temperatures - creating the perfect microclimate for ripening premium Chardonnay. The soils in this area are primarily Haire Loam, which naturally helps grapevines regulate vigor to yield highly concentrated grapes that create long-lived wines.

Grown in the cool Carneros conditions that maintain excellent balance between fruit characters and acidity in grapes. Cakebread Cellars ferment, age this wine in French oak barrels, and leave it on the yeast lees for months to enhance texture and complexity. Floral aromas mingle with fresh citrus, orange blossom, and white peach characters, and the palate is weighty yet balanced, with a mouth-coating texture and a clean, mineral finish.

Cakebread Cellars Chardonnay opens with ripe green and golden apple aromas, accented by fresh white peach and light oak. Across the palate, this golden wine is silken in texture with flavors of apple, citrus, and pear balanced by refreshing acidity. The long finish is clean, with minerality, vanilla, and lemon hints. This is a versatile wine that pairs well with grilled seafood and nearly any selection of cheeses.