Wine Reviews

All barrel-fermented and then aged 15 months in a mix of puncheons and barrels, the 2021 Chardonnay Reserve comes entirely from estate vineyards in Carneros. Scents of vanilla, peppery spice, orange and pineapple appear on the nose, while the medium to full-bodied palate is plump, rounded and easy to enjoy, with an attractive bit of citrus on the finish to keep things lively and clean.

Supple, vivid and citrusy with aromas of fresh lemons, blanched almonds and white peaches on the nose. Medium-bodied with moderate acidity. It has a positive bitterness on the mid-palate with blanched almond and green apple character. Succulent and refreshing.

This full-bodied, robust wine offers golden apples, pineapples and a hint of butter on a big frame of acidity and firming oak influence. It feels tight and subdued, offers subtle oak spices and a hint of toast. Look for more complexity with time in the bottle

Juicy, edgy and fruit-forward, this bold wine has a pronounced oak character that lingers in baking spice and vanilla. Medium bodied, it shows richness and complexity, with an opulent texture and refined tannin.

This straw-colored Chardonnay from Cakebread opens with a mild oak and green apple bouquet with hints of lime. On the palate, this wine has a nice mouthfeel. It is medium bodied, balanced and smooth. The flavor profile is an oak, butter and lime blend with notes of green apple. The finish is dry and its acidity lingers nicely.