Cakebread Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Region and Vineyards

The Cakebread Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic representation of Napa Valley, one of the most prestigious wine regions in the world. This wine is a blend from vineyards located in several renowned Cabernet Sauvignon appellations within Napa Valley, each contributing to the wine's complexity and depth.

Rutherford and Oakville are known for their bold fruit intensity, while the warmer area of Calistoga in the north and the cooler southern reaches of the Suscol watershed add layers of flavor and complexity. These diverse sites, with their unique soils and microclimates, allow Cakebread Cellars to craft a rich yet elegant Bordeaux-style blend that highlights the best of Napa Valley.

The growing season began with ample rainfall, filling the soils across Napa Valley. Cooler-than-usual temperatures extended the growing season, allowing for a longer harvest period. This extended ripening period enabled the grapes to develop their distinct varietal aromas and concentrated flavors, resulting in a wine that showcases the hallmark characteristics of the region.

Winemaking

The Cakebread Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon is crafted with meticulous care to ensure the highest quality. The grapes are hand-harvested during the cool night hours to retain freshness, purity, and natural acidity. After harvesting, the clusters are hand-sorted and destemmed. Partial crushing of the grapes optimizes the extraction of color, flavor, and tannin from the grape skins.

Prior to fermentation, the grapes undergo a "cold soak" which softens the skins and helps to extract more color and tannin. The wine is then aged in French oak barrels (50% new) for 17 months. This aging process enhances the wine's complexity and integrates the flavors beautifully. After aging, the winemaker blends the different components to add further layers of complexity to the wine.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Bright red.
• Aroma: The bouquet is fragrant and complex, with notes of ripe blackberry and boysenberry, complemented by hints of dark chocolate and toasty oak.
• Palate: Rich and smooth on the palate, the wine's sumptuous dark fruit flavors are balanced by fresh acidity and lush tannins. The finish is long and elegant, with a subtle hint of minerality.

Did you know?

This vintage was notable for its ideal growing conditions in Napa Valley. The combination of ample rainfall, cooler temperatures, and extended sunshine allowed for a slow and even ripening of the grapes. This contributed to the wine's depth of flavor and aromatic complexity, making the Cakebread Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon a standout vintage.

History of Cakebread Cellars Estate

Cakebread Cellars was founded in 1973 by Jack and Dolores Cakebread. The journey began when Jack, who was originally a photographer, visited Napa Valley for a photo shoot and ended up buying a property in Rutherford. This spontaneous purchase marked the beginning of their venture into winemaking. Over the years, the Cakebread family has transformed the estate into one of Napa Valley’s most respected wineries.

Jack and Dolores’ sons, Dennis and Bruce, have continued the family tradition, with Bruce serving as the winemaker for many years. The winery's philosophy is centered on producing quality wines through meticulous vineyard management and innovative winemaking techniques. The Cakebread family has been dedicated to sustainability, implementing practices that protect the environment and enhance the quality of their wines​​​​.

Region and Vineyards

Cakebread Cellars is located in Rutherford, a prime sub-region within Napa Valley. The region is known for its well-drained alluvial soils and favorable climate, which contribute to the production of high-quality grapes. The vineyards benefit from a mix of warm days and cool nights, ideal for growing varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

The estate spans 243 hectares across 16 vineyards in Napa Valley, each offering unique soil compositions and microclimates. These diverse sites allow Cakebread Cellars to craft wines that express the distinct characteristics of their terroir. The vineyards are meticulously managed to ensure the health of the vines and the quality of the fruit, employing sustainable farming practices to preserve the land for future generations​​​​.

Wine Range

Cakebread Cellars produces a wide range of wines, each reflecting the unique terroir of Napa Valley:

• Cakebread Cabernet Sauvignon: Known for its bold fruit flavors, balanced tannins, and rich texture.
• Cakebread Sauvignon Blanc: Praised for its crisp acidity, vibrant fruit, and refreshing finish.
• Cakebread Chardonnay: Offers a balance of fruit and oak, with a creamy texture and complex flavors.
• Cakebread Merlot: Features plush fruit, smooth tannins, and a long finish.
• Cakebread Pinot Noir: Delivers elegant fruit, silky tannins, and subtle complexity.

Did you know?

Jack Cakebread initially visited Napa Valley not to buy a vineyard, but to photograph it. His spontaneous decision to purchase a property in Rutherford during a photo shoot led to the establishment of Cakebread Cellars, which has since grown into one of the most respected names in American wine​​​​.