The Cakebread Cellars 2023 Napa Valley Chardonnay received a Critics Score of 91/100. The wine opens with a poached Bartlett pear and nectarine bouquet with hints of pineapple, banana, and white flowers. The flavor profile features oak, lemon, and light pineapple with notes of almond and nectarine pit. The mouthfeel is balanced, round, fresh, and mouthwatering. Cakebread Cellars has been a benchmark producer of Napa Valley Chardonnay since 1973, consistently delivering wines that showcase both fruit purity and judicious oak integration. The 2023 vintage showcases the winery's classic style with bright fruit, balanced acidity, and subtle oak integration. The wine is fermented and aged in French oak barrels, with a portion undergoing malolactic fermentation to add complexity and creaminess to the texture. This Chardonnay represents excellent value for the quality, offering the polish and sophistication of Napa Valley at a reasonable price point. It pairs beautifully with seafood, poultry, and cream-based dishes.