Reserve Family Vineyards Carneros Chardonnay

This is big and wants more time in bottle. Pushy oak and a texture that wouldn’t be ill suited to steak.

Warm, spice, oak, butter. Fading style.

A bit strong on the oak, leading to a syrupy/ Vanilla quality. Not my preferred style, more fit for the cougars. #cougarjuice

Over 30 years ago, Jack Cakebread came to photograph Napa for a book & bought a vineyard, Cakebread Cellars was born. I always liked Cakebread’s wine offerings, Chardonnay is no exception, consistent quality year/year, reserve is special. Aromas of ripe fruits, citrus & honey scents. On the palate complex flavors of crisp seeet apple, melon & lemon, creamy, balanced with good acidity & great mouthfeel. Lingering finish ending with sweet mineral spice. Nice now but a few years in cellar will benefit.

Bought this for my Cakebread-loving friend's birthday a few years ago and she saved it and brought it to our beach weekend. Much more acid than I expected and a really nice peppery finish (a very carneros signature).

A pivot in style from the butterscotch-bomb of years past

Still got it

Oaky, slight acidic… pear and golden apple notes… paired amazingly with a peck of oysters. Life is good!

I generally love everything cake bread makes, and tbis is no exception. Great quality Chardonnay. Easy drinking and oaky.

Pineapple. Body with breadth on it.