Cakebread 2017 Reserve Chardonnay, Napa Valley

This rare reserve Chard is coveted for good reason- It's creamy texture wrapped around luscious butterscotch, melon and pear flavors with a toasty French oak veneer. The grapes come from prime Carneros vineyards, planted with four select Chardonnay clones that flourish in the long ripening conditions of Carneros. Harvested at night by hand to insure they arrive at the winery in pristine condition, the grapes are whole cluster pressed and then barrel fermented in French oak. The wine is then aged on the lees in barrel for 15 months before bottling. Usually only available in restaurants, Wine Express has acquired a small quantity of this cult classic.

Jeb Dunnuck scored this 91 points saying "Brought up in 35% new French oak, the 2017 Chardonnay Reserve offers a more rich, buttery style that carries plenty of apple-like fruits, white currants, and honeyed citrus aromas and flavors. It's nicely textured, has bright acidity, and a clean finish."

Wine Enthusiast Magazine scored this 90 points saying "Barrel fermented, this robust white tastes of freshly cut pear, brioche and toasted oak, with a side note of baked apple. With a steely finish, it exudes richness through the midpalate, with hints of nutmeg and vanilla."