Thursday, November 17, 2005

Cakebread Cellars

Cakebread Cellars

In early 70s Jack Cakebread traveled to Napa Valley to photograph the landscape for a book. While in Napa he expressed his interest in the winery business and in owning a vineyard. Within days, family friends offered to sell their Napa Valley property to Jack. This was the birth of Cakebread Cellars.

Cakebread cellars first vintage was sold in 1973, 157 cases of Cakebread Chardonnay to a local wine wholesaler. Once this unique Californian wine hit the markets there was no looking back. Over 3 decades later Cakebread cellars still holds traditional family values and dedication to quality as their fundamental assets.

Cakebread Cellars Chardonnay 2004

A warm late winter and a mild spring led to an early harvest. The harvest while smaller than usual produced a grape with depth and intensity. The rich fruit flavors of apple and pear combine with baking bread spice and crusty oak aromas.

Cakebread Cellars Cabernet 2001

A climatic year that saw extreme divergent weather patterns influence growth in the Napa wine country. These patterns produced a full fresh fruit combination vintage with the sweet deep tasting black cherry and current flavors melding with earthy oak and a vanilla scent.

Cakebread Cellars Chardonnay 2003

An unpredictable season with a series of heat spells early on followed by a cold wet cycle. Late in the season perfect moderate conditions were conducive of a fully ripe and mature harvest. This vintage delivers the summer fresh fruit aromas of apple and pear as well as a mixture of guava and banana. The spicy oak flavor combines well with the full consistent texture.

Cakebread Cellars Cabernet 2000

The 2000 cabernet vintage was grown in cool but mild conditions that evened out into a warm summer allowing the grapes to grow to full maturity. The warm aromas of black cherry and current complement the oak and plum taste. This is a rich and elegant Cakebread vintage.

Cakebread Cellars Chardonnay 2002

A mild and consistent season with a few minor spikes prior to harvest produced a full-bodied grape with a distinctive ripe and mature flavor. A divine mix of peach and tropical fruit blended deliciously with vanilla cream to complement the fresh apple aroma. The 2002 vintage produced a supple, deep and fruity wine.

Cakebread Cellars Cabernet 1999

A long and cool growing year produced a fine vintage with a combination of full flavor and subtle aroma. The perfume of blackberry fruits and oak mingle to lovely effect with a smooth texture and spicy licorice and pepper taste.

Cakebread Chardonnay 2001

A dry winter, cool spring and a warm summer saw that the 2001 vintage harvest hang for an extended period. This produced a lavish lingering apple finish with the aroma of pear and vanilla and the warm taste of toasty oak.

Cakebread Cellars Cabernet 1998

The 98 vintage is a rich dark wine with a spicy cedar scent and a subtle chocolate aroma. A charming balance of black fruit and oak spice with a smooth velvet consistency.

Cakebread Chardonnay 2000

The 2000 vintage grew in hot and humid weather conditions. It has a golden glimmer and resonating apple and apricot aroma. It also has a flinty taste and a hint of subtle vanilla. The 2000 vintage is crisp and fruity with a depth and intensity.

Cakebread Cabernet 1997

A light garnet coloring sets this vintage apart from other years. It soft color combines with its dry spicy aromas and cedar scents. The flavor is rich black current and berries with cassis. A true taste sensation with depth and texture.