Cakebread Family 2023 "Bezel" Cabernet Sauvignon

92pts Tasting Panel, 91pts James Suckling, 91pts Vinous

Cakebread Cellars created the Bezel project to extend their half-century of winemaking pedigree into an everyday, accessible price point without compromising quality or diluting the flagship Napa Valley label. High-end Napa Cabernet pricing has increasingly pushed top-tier bottles into special-occasion territory, creating a gap for dynamic, high-quality daily drinkers. The name itself borrows from fine watchmaking and jewelry, referencing the intricate craft of framing a gem—or in this case, applying Napa-level precision to exceptional vineyards outside the valley.

Paso Robles was selected as the engine for the Cabernet program due to its world-class microclimate and compelling value proposition. The region provides warm, sunny days that ripen Cabernet to lush, dark-fruit perfection, alongside drastic nighttime temperature drops that preserve natural acidity and fresh fruit character. Sourcing from top growers in Paso Robles allows Cakebread to deliver serious structure and regional character at grape acquisition costs that keep the bottle approachable.

Elevating the project is head winemaker Jane Dunkley, a Master of Wine candidate who brings 25 harvests of international experience across Australia, Italy, Portugal, and California. Dunkley made her mark in the U.S. working alongside legendary iconoclast Randall Grahm at Bonny Doon Vineyard—eventually becoming Bonny Doon’s head winemaker—before leading Central Coast projects like "The Language of Yes." Brought on by Cakebread in 2022 to launch Bezel, her background in site-driven winemaking ensures the bottle delivers serious terroir credentials.

Tasting Notes

750ml