Cakebread Cellars 2022 Reserve Chardonnay

This wine complimented the chicken fricassee. But as for the wine alone, my first thought when I took a sip was, “I’ve had better.” I definitely got the melon, apple and lemon, but I thought the wine had too much oak and butter without food. Once dinner was served, the wine cut the richness of the chicken and its sauce nicely, and overall, it was a pleasant experience.

What did the critics say? James Suckling said, “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.”