Expect ripe dark cherry, plum, blackcurrant, cedar, vanilla, and refined oak with full body and ripe tannins. The 2016 Napa vintage was excellent; 2017 was warm with heat-related challenges.
- Varietal
- Merlot
- Region
- USA / California / Napa Valley
- Body
- Full
- Style
- dry red, polished, oak-aged, classic Napa
The producer
Cakebread Cellars was founded in 1973 by Jack and Dolores Cakebread in Rutherford. The estate is best known for its widely distributed Chardonnay, but the Merlot has been part of the portfolio since the early years.
What critics say
Cakebread Merlot receives consistently solid reviews as a well-made classical Napa Merlot.
Pairing
Grilled lamb chops, beef short rib, mushroom risotto