By Cakebread Cellars
Napa Valley Chardonnay 2023

Napa Valley
Almost 50 years ago, Cakebread released its first wine, a 1973 Napa Valley Chardonnay, and has been fine-tuning it ever since. Grapes for this wine come from the world-famous Carneros appellation in southern Napa Valley. This region sits just north of San Pablo Bay, whose influence provides the cool, windswept conditions that produce Chardonnay with the ideal balance between fruit character and acidity. Soils here are predominantly Haire Loam, a light clay that helps grapevines naturally regulate vigor for fruit of intense concentration.

Vinification
Grapes were harvested by night in small batches, then pressed directly into tank as whole clusters. The juice was transferred into French oak barrels to ferment. To achieve maximum fruit expression, we aged the wine on its yeast lees for eight months with intermittent stirring to enhance texture and boost complexity.

Harvest Note
Ample rainfall early in 2023 replenished vineyard soils and allowed healthy, balanced vine development throughout an extended growing season. Even summer warmth allowed clusters to ripen slowly and consistently, developing an intensity of flavors and fresh acidity. Before August's harvest, warm, sunny afternoons and cool evenings let grapes develop an expressive and concentrated range of aromas and flavors.

Tasting Note
The wine opens with lively aromas of ripe pear and chamomile. Flavors of ripe melon, lemon curd, and apple frame the palate with hints of baking spice and lightly toasted brioche. The fresh acidity and crisp citrus notes are well-balanced by a hint of oak, leading to a long, harmonious finish.

Technical Data
Grapes: 100% Chardonnay
pH: 3.45
Acidity: 6.0 g/100 mL
Alcohol: 13.60%
Aging: 8 months in 30% new French oak
Malolactic Fermentation: 8.00%
[Information provided by Cakebread Cellars]

Cakebread Cellars Chardonnay Napa Valley 2023
Tuesday, Jan 28, 2025
Score: 93
Color: Red
Country: United States
Region: California
Vintage: 2023
Generous aromas of preserved lemons, flint, grapefruit and brioche. The palate is full-bodied with a creamy, medium-bodied mouthfeel and bright acidity, giving flavors of yellow apples, sliced pears and baking spices. Well balanced, with underlying power. Drink now.

Cakebread Chardonnay Napa Valley 2023
Score: 89
Wine Type and Color: White Still
Reviewed By: MaryAnn Worobiec
Primary Grape: Chardonnay
Issue: Online Only Review - Published on April 14, 2025
Region: California / Napa / Napa Valley
Fresh pear, apple and citrus notes are elegant on a light and sleek frame, with elements of citrus zest and ginger lingering on the finish. Drink now.