Winemaker Notes The 2019 Cakebread Dancing Bear Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon (Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, California, USA) is a powerful and complex wine. It opens with aromas of pine bark, cedar, cherries, and faint herbal notes. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied, ripe and concentrated, with a touch of creaminess at the mid-palate. Flavors of dark chocolate, black pepper, tar, and ripe black fruits are supported by firm tannins and lavish oak, accented by graphite, pencil shavings, and clove. The finish is long, mouthwatering, and layered, showing both richness and elegance. This vintage includes a small percentage of Merlot, adding depth and approachability, while still reflecting the bold character of Howell Mountain fruit. About Winery  Cakebread Cellars was founded in 1973 by Jack and Dolores Cakebread in Rutherford, Napa Valley, California. Their journey began when Jack, originally a photographer, visited Napa to shoot images for a wine book and ended up purchasing a small ranch. From those modest beginnings, the family built a winery that quickly gained recognition for its Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, later expanding into Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and other varietals. Over the decades, Cakebread Cellars has grown into one of Napa Valley’s most respected family-owned wineries, known for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and hospitality, with wines now distributed internationally.

Read more less

Winemaker Notes The 2017 Cakebread Benchland Select Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley, California, USA) is a deeply expressive wine with a very dark purple-black hue. It opens slowly in the glass, revealing layered aromas of baked black cherries, stewed black plums, and warm cassis, complemented by savory notes of aged meat, dark chocolate, bay leaf, and pencil shavings. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied, packed with concentrated black fruit flavors, supported by vibrant freshness and a firm, grainy tannin structure. The finish is long, energetic, and complex, showcasing both power and refinement. About Winery  Cakebread Cellars was founded in 1973 by Jack and Dolores Cakebread in Rutherford, Napa Valley, California. Their journey began when Jack, originally a photographer, visited Napa to shoot images for a wine book and ended up purchasing a small ranch. From those modest beginnings, the family built a winery that quickly gained recognition for its Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, later expanding into Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and other varietals. Over the decades, Cakebread Cellars has grown into one of Napa Valley’s most respected family-owned wineries, known for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and hospitality, with wines now distributed internationally.

Read more less

Winemaker Notes The 2021 Cakebread Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley, California, USA) opens with expressive aromas of ripe boysenberry, dark cherry, and cassis, accented by sweet oak and herbal spice. On the palate, it delivers plush, concentrated black fruit flavors supported by bright acidity and firm, well-structured tannins. The wine finishes long and elegant, with lingering notes of savory fruit, spice, and mineral tones. This classic Napa Valley Cabernet shows both richness and balance, making it a versatile pairing for beef, pork, or game dishes. About Winery  Cakebread Cellars was founded in 1973 by Jack and Dolores Cakebread in Rutherford, Napa Valley, California. Their journey began when Jack, originally a photographer, visited Napa to shoot images for a wine book and ended up purchasing a small ranch. From those modest beginnings, the family built a winery that quickly gained recognition for its Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, later expanding into Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and other varietals. Over the decades, Cakebread Cellars has grown into one of Napa Valley’s most respected family-owned wineries, known for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and hospitality, with wines now distributed internationally.

Read more less

Winemaker Notes The 2021 Cakebread Merlot (Napa Valley, California, USA) presents deep aromas of blackberry and black cherry, lifted by violet and subtle crushed stone minerality. On the palate, concentrated flavors of fresh blackberry and black plum unfold with silky texture, balanced by bright acidity and fine tannins. Notes of mocha, toast, and oak add complexity, leading to a lingering finish of rich black cherry and mineral tones. Elegant yet structured, this Merlot reflects the diversity of Cakebread’s estate vineyards, combining freshness, depth, and refined balance. About Winery  Cakebread Cellars was founded in 1973 by Jack and Dolores Cakebread in Rutherford, Napa Valley, California. Their journey began when Jack, originally a photographer, visited Napa to shoot images for a wine book and ended up purchasing a small ranch. From those modest beginnings, the family built a winery that quickly gained recognition for its Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, later expanding into Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and other varietals. Over the decades, Cakebread Cellars has grown into one of Napa Valley’s most respected family-owned wineries, known for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and hospitality, with wines now distributed internationally.

Read more less

Winemaker Notes The 2023 Cakebread Two Creeks Pinot Noir (Anderson Valley, Mendocino, California, USA) opens with bright aromas of fresh raspberries, blackberries, dark cherries, violets, and subtle floral notes. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and vibrant, showing flavors of strawberries, black cherries, and crisp red berries layered with hints of spice and sweet toasty oak. Balanced acidity integrates smoothly with silky tannins, giving the wine lift and elegance, while the finish lingers with rounded berry tones and a touch of bramble complexity. About Winery  Cakebread Cellars was founded in 1973 by Jack and Dolores Cakebread in Rutherford, Napa Valley, California. Their journey began when Jack, originally a photographer, visited Napa to shoot images for a wine book and ended up purchasing a small ranch. From those modest beginnings, the family built a winery that quickly gained recognition for its Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, later expanding into Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and other varietals. Over the decades, Cakebread Cellars has grown into one of Napa Valley’s most respected family-owned wineries, known for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and hospitality, with wines now distributed internationally.

Read more less

Winemaker Notes The 2021 Cakebread Reserve Chardonnay (Carneros, California, USA) shows a bright golden hue and opens with aromas of ripe golden apple, peach, and baking spice. The palate is full-bodied and concentrated, featuring orchard fruits, melon, pear, and a creamy texture that harmonizes beautifully with subtle notes of toasted oak. Balanced and fresh, it finishes long and elegant, with lingering hints of apple and spice. This Reserve bottling highlights both richness and finesse, making it a standout expression of Carneros Chardonnay. About Winery  Cakebread Cellars was founded in 1973 by Jack and Dolores Cakebread in Rutherford, Napa Valley, California. Their journey began when Jack, originally a photographer, visited Napa to shoot images for a wine book and ended up purchasing a small ranch. From those modest beginnings, the family built a winery that quickly gained recognition for its Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, later expanding into Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and other varietals. Over the decades, Cakebread Cellars has grown into one of Napa Valley’s most respected family-owned wineries, known for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and hospitality, with wines now distributed internationally.

Read more less

Winemaker Notes The 2023 Cakebread Chardonnay (Napa Valley, California, USA) opens with inviting aromas of ripe green and golden apple, white peach, and subtle oak spice. On the palate, it delivers rich flavors of apple, pear, melon, and citrus, supported by a creamy texture and vibrant acidity. Hints of minerality, vanilla, and lemon linger through the clean, refreshing finish. Elegant yet full-bodied, this Chardonnay shows superb balance and depth, with the potential to develop even greater complexity over several years of aging.     About Winery  Cakebread Cellars was founded in 1973 by Jack and Dolores Cakebread in Rutherford, Napa Valley, California. Their journey began when Jack, originally a photographer, visited Napa to shoot images for a wine book and ended up purchasing a small ranch. From those modest beginnings, the family built a winery that quickly gained recognition for its Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, later expanding into Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and other varietals. Over the decades, Cakebread Cellars has grown into one of Napa Valley’s most respected family-owned wineries, known for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and hospitality, with wines now distributed internationally.

Read more less

Winemaker Notes The 2023 Cakebread Sauvignon Blanc (North Coast, California, USA) opens with bright aromas of pink grapefruit, lemon curd, fresh pear, melon, and passionfruit. On the palate, lively citrus and kiwi are layered with hints of mango, guava, and pineapple, all carried by crisp acidity. Light-bodied yet concentrated, it balances vibrant fruit with a refreshing mineral finish, making it both elegant and invigorating. About Winery  Cakebread Cellars was founded in 1973 by Jack and Dolores Cakebread in Rutherford, Napa Valley, California. Their journey began when Jack, originally a photographer, visited Napa to shoot images for a wine book and ended up purchasing a small ranch. From those modest beginnings, the family built a winery that quickly gained recognition for its Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, later expanding into Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and other varietals. Over the decades, Cakebread Cellars has grown into one of Napa Valley’s most respected family-owned wineries, known for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and hospitality, with wines now distributed internationally.

Read more less