Over 30 years ago, Jack Cakebread came to photograph the Napa Valley for a book and while there, he casually mentioned his interest in one day owning a vineyard to some family friends who had a ranch in Rutherford. When he returned home that afternoon, the phone rang, and it was the family friends offering to sell their property. He headed back up to the valley that same afternoon to make his best offer, and Cakebread Cellars was born.

Two Creeks Vineyards includes grapes from two estate sites in the Anderson Valley. Each block is fermented separately and aged three months before blending; the wine then sees ten months in (35% new) French oak barrels. In the glass the color is a medium shade of ruby. Aromas of dried leaves, mushroom compote, red plum, and black cherry are prominent. The flavor is plush, mouthfeel is awash with strawberry and tilled, aerated soil. The finish has a touch of minerality that complements the delicious red fruit with bright acidity that keeps the wine fresh over a smooth, long finish. Tasted the second day, it showed more fruit less earth character and a soft silky texture.

By Perry Miroballi