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

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.

Waited until day 2 to rate (Sunday) because I was trying so many other wines. This wine was better on day 2. Standard well made Napa Cab. Nothing memorable, either good or bad. Solid wine. Definitely needs air to open up.