Jack Cakebread did a show and tell tasting for our Georgetown MBA Wine Society. Lots of good stories, it was interesting to hear how his little empire grew. He also spoke a little about his marketing strategy and kept telling us to stay in school or risk becoming the guy driving the heavy machinery he next time he lays out a new vineyard.

All in all, a great time. We had an opportunity to taste a variety of his wines. All were decent; personally I thought his reserve chardonnay was the best of the bunch.

Loose TNs follow:

2003 Sauvignon Blanc - Nice, crisp citrus flavor. Taste the grapefruit. 85 RR pts

2003 Chardonnay - Liked it, little buttery, but not too much, dunno.. like a chardonnay. 82 RR pts

2002 Reserve Chardonnay – Think this was my favorite of the bunch. Little fuller bodied than the above. Touch of butterscotch and oak. Enjoyable nose. 88 Pts

2001 Cabernet Sauvignon – I guess just expected something more from a 2001. garnet color, medium bodied at best. Had a nose, but nothing to keep me interested really. 85pts

2000 Benchland Select Cabernet Sauvignon – Again, was looking for something more I guess. Frankly.. for the price.. gimmie a Bressler.. and the change back. 85pts.


End opinion. It was cool to hear Jack talk about his business and some of his reflections on how Napa’s and the wine industry has changed. As for his wines, they are what they are.

Thanks for the writeup. It's interesting how many people come and ask for Cakebread at the retail level, and how pinched the distribution system is for the retailers to meet that demand (all restaurants).