Meet Dennis Cakebread at UMAMI Burger Aug.25th 2011
On Thursday August 25th, 2011, Ian Blackburn of LearnAboutWine hosted a special wine event at famous luxury hamburger place “UMAMI Burger” welcoming Mr. Dennis Cakebread from Cakebread Cellars as a guest.
The event was taken place at the patio in front of UMAMI Burger.
The night started with a refreshing crisp Sauvignon Blanc, a perfect aperitif for a summer evening.
While we tasted two whites, Dennis explained the history and winemaking process at Cakebread Cellars using the back screen.
Cakebread Cellar was founded by Dennis’s father Jack Cakebread in 1973.
Jack originally started his career as a professional photographer, however after taking his role as a wine country photographer; his passion for wine led him into the art of winemaking.
Jack is one of the most influential men in the California wine industry as he has been serving as a pioneer to introduce innovative farming techniques while maintaining the classic style of quality wines, and to establish cutting edge marketing strategies.
Cakebread Cellars’ wines are highly rated and they are no doubt the one of representatives of quality Napa wines.
At the event following wines were GENEROUSLY poured!
Wine List:
2010 Sauvignon Blanc
2010 Chardonnay
2008 Merlot
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon
2009 Zinfandel
2008 Dancing Bear Cabernet Howell Mountain
The first Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from Rutherford, Carneros and Calistoga. It does not have typical “grassy” character; rather, it has a layered aroma of zesty citrus and a hint of spiciness. According to Dennis, a small portion of “Sauvignon Musque” a Sauvignon Blanc’s clone is added to give the wine more complexity.
Chardonnay is mainly sourced from the foggy area of Carneros, the area famous for producing sensitive cool climate grapes. It has aroma of YUBARI melon, bananas, and a varieties of tropical fruits. This Chardonnay is very rich and has round finish attributed from partial malolactic fermentation and the “sur lie” technique.
Merlot is also from Carneros. The wine represents juicy fruits of cherries, plums and red and black berries. Not like other casual Merlot, it has velvety character and complexity which can be found in an aged Cabernet. Winemakers use special Bordeaux juice extraction technique to fully develop Merlot’s potential attractiveness.
Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from multiple microclimates from warm Calistoga to cool Carneros. The wine has true Napa expression, with rich and opulent fruits aromas and flavors commingled with forest aromas such as cedar, sandal wood, and juniper. Tannins are soft and provide comfortable finish.
Zinfandel is mainly sourced from Red Hills in Lake County, the area known for premium Zinfandel. This Zinfandel displays black cherry, plum, and black current aromas and flavors followed by exotic spices and licorice hint. It is very round and well-stretched on the palate and has long elegant finish.
Dancing Bear Cabernet shows more Bordeaux elegance. The grapes are sourced from Howell Mountain, higher elevation area. The wine has a pure acidity providing longer aging potential. On the nose, beautiful forest fruits aromas are followed by complex “bouquet garni”. Rich in concentrated fruits flavors yet elegant on the palate. It shows evolving aromas as it spends time in a glass and has very long finish.
To see the event detail: CLICK HERE
To download the Cakebread Event Wine Mat: CLICK HERE
To see future LearnAboutWine events: CLICK HERE
Photo credit: Andrew Hong
Blog by: Alice Hama
