Cakebread Cellars is a family-owned winery located in the heart of Napa Valley, California. Founded in 1973 by Jack and Dolores Cakebread, the winery is known for producing some of the finest wines in the region, including its highly acclaimed Cakebread Cabernet Sauvignon.
Cakebread Cellars takes a sustainable approach to winemaking, using organic and biodynamic farming practices to produce wines that express the unique character of Napa Valley’s terroir.
The winery produces a range of wines, including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Cakebread Wine and explore the history of the winery, the winemaking philosophy behind its wines, and the different varieties it produces.
We’ll also highlight some of the winery’s standout vintages. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or a casual wine drinker, this article will provide a comprehensive overview of one of Napa Valley’s most celebrated wineries.
What Is Cakebread Wine?
Cakebread wine refers to the wines produced by Cakebread Cellars, a family-owned winery located in the Napa Valley region of California.
The winery is known for producing high-quality wines that express the unique character of the region’s terroir. Cakebread Cellars produces a range of wines, including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, all made using sustainable farming practices.
The winery’s signature wine is its Cakebread Cabernet Sauvignon, which is highly acclaimed and considered one of the best Cabernet Sauvignons produced in Napa Valley.
The winery has been recognized for its commitment to sustainable farming practices and is a member of the Napa Green program.
Overall, Cakebread wine is known for its quality, consistency, and expression of the unique characteristics of the Napa Valley terroir.
Origin Of Cakebread Wine.
Cakebread Cellars was founded in 1973 by Jack and Dolores Cakebread, a couple who had a passion for wine and a dream of starting their own winery. They purchased 22 acres of land in Rutherford, a subregion of the Napa Valley known for its high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.
At the time, the couple had no experience in winemaking, but they were determined to learn and produce wines of exceptional quality.
The Cakebreads initially sold their grapes to other wineries in the region, but they soon began experimenting with winemaking themselves, producing their first vintage in 1974. Their first vintage consisted of just 157 cases of Chardonnay, which they produced in their garage.
The wine was well received, and the Cakebreads continued to refine their winemaking skills, gradually expanding their operation and adding new varieties to their portfolio.
Today, Cakebread Cellars is still family-owned and operated, with Jack and Dolores’ sons, Bruce and Dennis, overseeing the winemaking and vineyard management.
From their early beginnings as garage winemakers to their current status as a world-class winery, the Cakebread family’s dedication to quality and innovation is evident in every bottle of wine they produce.
Varieties Of Cakebread Wine.
Cakebread Cellars produces a variety of wines, including their flagship Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay made from Carneros grapes, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Syrah.
Production Of Cakebread Wine.
Cakebread Cellars takes great care in their winemaking process, starting with the selection of the finest grapes from their own vineyards and trusted growers.
Harvesting is one of the most crucial steps in the winemaking process, and Cakebread Cellars takes great care to ensure that only the best grapes make it into their wines.
Once the grapes are harvested, they are sorted and gently pressed to extract the juice, which is then transferred to stainless steel tanks for fermentation using traditional and modern techniques.
The wines are aged in French oak barrels and neutral oak barrels and blended for a balanced taste before bottling. Cakebread Cellars allows natural flavors to shine through with minimal intervention, resulting in complex and flavorful wines.
With their commitment to excellence and sustainability, they continue to push the boundaries of winemaking, creating some of the finest wines in the Napa Valley region.
Food Pairings.
Perfect Food To Pair With Cakebread Wine
Cakebread wines are known for their complexity and balance, making them the perfect complement to a wide range of foods.
For white wines like Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, try pairing them with seafood dishes like shrimp, crab, or oysters.
These wines also pair well with light salads and creamy pasta dishes. For red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir, pair with hearty meats like beef or lamb, or with rich, flavorful cheeses.
Chocolate desserts also pair well with Cakebread’s full-bodied reds.Whatever your food preference, there is a Cakebread wine that is sure to enhance your dining experience.
Alcohol Percentage In Cakebread Wine.
The alcohol percentage in Cakebread wines varies depending on the specific wine variety and vintage. In general, most Cakebread wines have an alcohol percentage that falls within the range of 13.9% to 14.9%.
Top 7 Cakebread Cellars Wine Bottles.
With a wide range of varieties and blends, it can be overwhelming to choose just one bottle of Cakebread wine. Our list of the top 7 Cakebread Cellars wine bottles is sure to delight your palate and provide an unforgettable tasting experience.
Join us as we explore the diverse range of wines that Cakebread Cellars has to offer and discover the perfect bottle for any occasion.
1. 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley.
Cakebread Cellars Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of grapes sourced from various regions of the valley, including Rutherford, Oakville, Calistoga, and Suscol.
These regions impart different characteristics to the wine, resulting in a complex and flavorful blend. The bouquet is a fragrant mix of ripe blackberry, boysenberry, dark chocolate, and toasty oak.
The palate is rich and smooth, with a perfect balance of fresh acidity and lush tannins, leading to a lingering, elegant finish with a subtle minerality. This wine is truly a luxurious experience for the senses.
2. 2019 Merlot Napa Valley.
Cakebread Cellars’ Merlot is a blend of grapes from their estate vineyards in Napa Valley, including Suscol Springs Ranch in the cooler southeastern region and a warm valley floor vineyard in Rutherford.
The diverse vineyard sites enable the winery to craft a wine that showcases the best of the Merlot varietal. The wine’s bouquet includes deep aromas of blackberry, black cherry, crushed stone, and violet.
On the palate, fresh blackberry and black plum flavors are balanced by refined tannins and bright acidity. The wine finishes with a lingering rich black cherry flavor and a hint of minerality, making for a complex and elegant Merlot experience.
3. 2019 Syrah Suscol Springs Vineyard, Napa Valley.
This Syrah from Cakebread Cellars boasts a full-bodied and rich palate with intense flavors of warm blackberry, black cherry, and dark chocolate.
Fresh acidity and subtle minerality provide balance, leading to a long, vibrant finish with concentrated notes of blackberry and raspberry.
4. 2021 Grenache, Napa Valley.
After 10 months of aging in French oak, this limited-production wine opens with fresh aromas of black cherry, raspberry, and violet, and a hint of mineral goodness that’s simply irresistible.
The grapes are sourced entirely from their Suscol Springs Ranch in the cooler southeastern part of Napa Valley, making this single vineyard, estate-grown Grenache a unique and special treat.
5. 2020 Pinot Noir Apple Barn Vineyard, Anderson Valley.
This wine has a delicate aroma of fresh boysenberries and dried flowers. On the palate, flavors of raspberry, boysenberry, and black cherry are complemented by smooth, full-bodied texture and fine tannins.
The wine finishes with a hint of minerality, like a rocky stream flowing through a lush forest. It’s a truly enchanting experience in every sip.
6. 2020 Chardonnay Napa Valley.
The cool Carneros region provides the perfect growing conditions for this wine, striking an ideal balance between fruit character and acidity in the grapes.
After fermentation and aging in French oak barrels, the wine is left on the yeast lees for months to enhance its texture and complexity.
The result is a delightful mingling of fresh citrus, white peach, and floral aromas that create a weighty yet balanced palate with a mouth-coating texture. The finish is crisp and mineral-driven, leaving a satisfying taste in the mouth.
7. 2021 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley.
Cakebread Cellars sources their Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc from premium vineyards, including their own estates. The cooler southern region provides bright citrus and flinty minerality, while the warmer north brings out tropical flavors.
Zesty citrus aromas and balanced acidity make it a classic and versatile wine. This classic wine is an ideal accompaniment to seafood dishes, salads, and creamy pasta dishes.
It also pairs well with spicy foods, making it a versatile choice for a range of cuisine.
Conclusion.
Overall, Cakebread Cellars is a winery that has become synonymous with exceptional wines and an unwavering commitment to quality.
Their attention to detail in every step of the winemaking process, from the vineyard to the bottle, has led to an impressive portfolio of wines that are both approachable and complex.
Whether you’re looking for a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or a delicate Chardonnay, Cakebread Cellars offers something for every wine lover.
