Review: 2021 Bezel Chardonnay and Pinot Noir Edna Valley
Bezel is a new, second label “from the Cakebread family,” and I’ve already seen it on more than one wine list at a restaurant. Chalk that up to the credibility and power that the Cakebread name brings — and the price point these Edna Valley-born wines are able to hit.
Let’s dig in.
2021 Bezel Chardonnay Edna Valley – Approachable and balanced, this wine tempers the doughy quality you get with a somewhat basic chardonnay with enough lemon curd and green apple to keep things fresh and fruity, with notes of guava and a touch of pineapple emerging with some time in glass and warmth. The finish returns to a vanilla-driven shortbread character that comes across as a bit gummy at times, though it’s never off-putting. B+ / $25
2021 Bezel Pinot Noir Edna Valley – Another on-the-level wine, this pinot hits the high points of California expectations — some cherry, a shovelful of earth, some tea and cola notes, and a lightly chewy body. Hints of graphite and tar give the wine some gravitas, though there’s ample blackberry character on the lightly spiced finish to keep fruity notes in the mix. Agreeable to a fault. A- / $30
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