Cakebread Cellars Cakebread Cellars Chardonnay Reserve 2022 750ml

A classic Carneros wine that's just a bit restrained, and so complex. It's well balanced, fresh and linear, with complex toast, almond and vanilla notes complementing lively green apple and lemon zest flavors. At 13.8% alcohol, it's a bit lighter than is typical here. Should develop more nuances with a few more years of maturity. Drink or hold.

Crisp apple on a bed of toasted almond and a squeeze of citrus. Vibrant acidity joins a silken mouthfeel and lengthy finish. (Elaine Chukan Brown)

Crisp apple and citrus flavors are fresh up front before giving way to a polished mix of roasted almond, spice and dried tarragon flavors. Shows a fresh thread of acidity. Drink now. 3,000 cases made.