I grew up close to Napa Valley in California, and I’ve bopped across the wineries and vineyards there alongside my dad and mom for so long as I can keep in mind. Seeing the magic of winemaking, the mixing of artwork and science, and the approach to life of a glass of wine amongst associates impressed me to turn into a wine author. I nonetheless love visiting at this time.
However right here’s the kicker: I’ve by no means been an outspoken proponent of the wines. In reality, I not often need to open a bottle.
This will likely sound blasphemous, however many Napa wines don’t enchantment to me. I typically discovered the wines to be too daring, too oaky, too tannic, an excessive amount of of every part — all the explanations you typically hear from somebody with detrimental opinions about Napa Valley wine.
Nonetheless, there’s one vineyard that has all the time managed to evade my stereotypical expectations, and that’s Cakebread. Situated on the valley flooring in Rutherford, with a lineup that features Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, it’s a heralded model by many, however one that might seem like the antithesis of the cool-climate, high-elevation wines that I are likely to drink extra typically.
These wines have confirmed my earlier opinions about Napa wines improper. The Cakebread winemaking staff crafts elegant variations of native varieties that carry steadiness to the forefront. Lots of their wines are blends of grapes from hotter components of the area alongside grapes from vineyards which might be nearer to the California shoreline, the place night temperatures drop and bay breezes hold the winery chillier. (They personal 18 vineyards throughout six appellations.) This strategy lends extra construction and steadiness to the ultimate wine.
Ahead considering appears to be Cakebread’s modus operandi. The founders, Jack and Dolores Cakebread — it’s actually their final identify! — had been early adopters of the American wine motion in Napa. The couple bought 22 acres of land in 1972 and launched their first wine in 1973. Their flagship Chardonnay celebrated its fiftieth anniversary in 2023. The Cakebreads had been additionally pioneers of farm-to-table delicacies, by providing dishes with substances from their on-site backyard as accompaniments to their wine tastings. And in 2008, Cakebread grew to become the second vineyard ever to be Napa Inexperienced licensed.
I can’t keep in mind my first go to, however I recall that each time it has been an inviting, hospitable expertise with wines that impressed even the most important Napa cynic (moi).
Chardonnay was my entry level, however as you might have guessed, I’m a recovering ABCer (Something However Chardonnay.) In my 20s, tasting Chardonnay wines from Chablis, Burgundy, Sonoma, and different components of the world, I noticed that there are balanced approaches to vinifying this varietal with kinds that aren’t too buttery, too oaky, or too creamy, frequent phrases to explain the stereotypical Napa Chardonnay.
One way or the other, Cakebread has evaded the stereotype regardless of being proper within the coronary heart of Napa Valley on Freeway 29 in Rutherford. They may let you know that the key to the success of their Chardonnay is utilizing grapes grown in Carneros, the best and windiest appellation in Napa Valley, with proximity to the San Pablo Bay and the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains. Cakebread pulls again on the standard Napa oak affect. Solely 30 % of the wine is aged in new French oak — in comparison with as a lot as 80 % at many different native wineries — and makes use of malolactic fermentation for under a tiny proportion of the wine.
The result’s a Napa Valley Chardonnay that drinks way more like a white Burgundy whereas nonetheless nodding to its Napa house. (Simply sufficient that I can handle it!)
Producing a Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa Valley is a tall order, and Cakebread approaches their Cabernet Sauvignon from the standpoint of a wine aficionado who needs on the spot gratification. Gone is the necessity to put the bottle away within the cellar for 10 years and overlook about it, as a result of the “wine isn’t prepared.”
Cakebread’s Cabernet is definitely drinkable upon launch with its clean physique, silky tannins, and flavors of darkish fruit with notes of baking spices. To make this balanced providing, the winemaking staff incorporates grapes from property vineyards all through Napa Valley, together with Calistoga, Howell Mountain, Rutherford, Oakville and Suscol Springs within the southern a part of the valley. In addition they supply fruit from long-standing relationships with family-owned vineyards throughout the appellation.
The flavour profile is a steadiness of pleasant simple ingesting with nuanced flavors that additionally fulfill iconic Napa Cab sensibilities.
Equally, Cakebread produces a powerful Pinot Noir that I proudly open for any pink wine lover I’m internet hosting at house. Pinot Noir is a tricky grape for a Napa Valley producer, given they have to compete with the sought-after wines from the Sonoma and the northern coast close by, therefore why Cakebread hopped over the county line to Mendocino. Cakebread produces the Two Creeks Vineyards Pinot Noir from two property vineyards alongside the coast in Anderson Valley. For us Pinot Noir followers, this wine celebrates the refined Burgundian fashion with fruit from a premier cool-climate appellation — no Coravin needed to understand it.
Should you want another excuse to pop open a bottle of Cakebread wines, look no additional than their Sauvignon Blanc. I’ve all the time mentioned that the wine is the sleeper hit of Napa Valley. It’s a grape that thrives in lots of components of the valley, however isn’t showcased the way in which this one is. Cakebread’s Sauvignon Blanc blends grapes sourced from varied vineyards located in cooler rising climates to provide a zesty and crisp white wine that’s completely excellent as an aperitif.
So whether or not you’re within the temper for a refreshing white wine earlier than a dinner, a glass of citrusy Chardonnay with an appetizer, or an awesome expression of a California Cab (or Pinot!) for every part else, pour a glass of Cakebread and be immediately transported to a patio in Napa Valley. Cheers!
This text is sponsored by Cakebread Cellars.
