Wine Wednesdays – 2012 Cakebread Chardonnay

Ever since a visit to their tasting room many years ago, Cakebread Chardonnay has always been one of my favorites.  I really love a good oakey, buttery California Chardonnay, and while this one has a bit more minerality than some of the “classic” oakey Chardonnays, I’ll still order it whenever I find it on the menu!  In addition to some oak and mineral tones, it also has a bit of fruit, though nothing over-powering.  I think it is a perfect wine for pairing with just about anything; I’ve even had it with steak before!  It is very well balanced, so also drinkable on it’s own.

At about $35 per bottle most people would not consider this an everyday wine, however I think it’s prefect for nice dinners and somewhat special occasions.  Cakebread has a beautiful tasting room so this is definitely one to add to your list if you are planning a wine tasting trip to Napa/Sonoma.

Cakebread Cellars is located at 8300 Saint Helena Highway in Rutherford, CA