
A Historic Farmstead Devoted to Single-Vineyard Wines 100% Cabernet
Located in Napa Valley's Oakville district on Highway 29, Nickel & Nickel is dedicated to crafting single-vineyard, single-varietal wines that are the purest expression of place and time.
98Decanter Compact and full-bodied, with intense, chewy tannins that balance muscular power with freshness. Leans toward the dark-fruited profile reminiscent of the 2019 vintage, combined with the vibrant acid tension of 2021. The grapes were mostly harvested before the heatwave, ensuring ripeness balanced by an excellent core of juicy, firm acidity. A finely tuned, powerful Cabernet that captures depth and vibrancy in equal measure. Aged for 20 months in 55% new French oak. Sourced from the 12ha State Ranch Vineyard northeast of Yountville off State Lane Road.
95 James Suckling A lush, plush, full-bodied wine that is saturated in dark fruit and subtle oak spices. Such a broad, velvety texture, with generous aromas of red and black fruit and a palate full of raspberries, black cherries and dark plums. Ample cocoa, spearmint and creme de cassis flavors on melted, fine-grained tannins for a soft mouthfeel.
Sourced from Nickel & Nickel's estate Sullenger Vineyard in Oakville, which surrounds the winery and tasting barn and extends east toward the Napa River and south to the Opus One property line, this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon was aged for 21 months in 55% new French oak. Crafted by winemaker Joe Harden, the 2022 vintage offers a beautifully lifted and perfumed profile. The wine features a juicy core of focused fruit, complemented by the hallmark tannins of western Oakville, reminiscent of soft suede leather. Blue and black-toned fruits are underscored by graphite minerality, wild herb nuances, and a medley of Indian spices, creating a layered and expressive Cabernet Sauvignon with power and finesse. -Jonathan Cristaldi, Dec 2024 Reviewed by: Decanter - 95 pts
With vibrant floral aromas mingling with hints of plum and olive, the 2022 John C. Sullenger Cabernet Sauvignon captivates the senses with an irresistible bouquet. On the palate, juicy black cherry, rich tobacco, spicy anise, and a touch of toast come together, enhanced by a lively yet balanced acidity. These dynamic flavors are supported by a robust core of tannins that unfold gracefully, leading to a long finish. The home vineyard of Nickel & Nickel, Sullenger Vineyard is situated behind the winery in the heart of Oakville and is named for John C. Sullenger, who settled the farmstead in the 1880’s. The vineyard’s 30 acres of clay loam soil are planted exclusively to Cabernet Sauvignon, with 2 rootstocks and a few different clones which each add a unique element to the resulting wine.
Reviewed by: Producer
This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon was aged for 20 months in 55% new French oak. The Vaca Vista Vineyard, a roughly 16ha site in the Oak Knoll District, provides fruit from two distinct clones—Clone 7 and Clone 685, an ENTAV clone. Winemaker Joe Harden highlights their contrasting characteristics: Clone 7 produces higher yields with larger clusters and berries, while Clone 685 delivers smaller, tightly packed clusters with lower yields, bringing focus, structure, and concentration. The clones are fermented separately, undergo malolactic fermentation in barrel, and are blended after the first racking to finish ageing together. The wine opens with a bright peppery character, complemented by dried bay leaf, dark cacao, and currant fruit. Medium to full-bodied, it showcases extremely polished, fine-grained tannins with a pixelated texture. Perfectly ripe, it boasts exceptional intensity and a remarkable freshness that transcends the warmth of the vintage. The extraordinary layered complexity and vibrant energy make this an exceptional expression of Oak Knoll Cabernet Sauvignon. -Jonathan Cristaldi, Dec 2024 Reviewed by: Decanter - 97 pts
Our third vintage of Vaca Vista Cabernet Sauvignon is brimming with expressive aromas of red currant, black cherry and tobacco leaf. On the palate, this is a classic Napa Cabernet with an herbal entry of sage and savory spices before migrating to a voluminous mix of red and dark fruit flavors. Soft and silky throughout the palate, this wine’s polished tannins and broad mouthfeel make this absolute elegance in a glass from start to finish. Reviewed by: Producer
2022 Nickel & Nickel C.C. Ranch (Rutherford)
From C.C. Ranch in Rutherford, perched on a western-facing knoll of volcanic bedrock, this wine was aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, 55% of which were new. The 2022 vintage is notably generous, with a touch more ripeness in its cherry, plum, and cassis fruits, delivering a slightly plumper profile. Medium to full-bodied, it is framed by polished, fine tannins and laced with fragrant wild herbs, a subtle hint of bay leaf, tobacco, and dark cacao. The finish is satisfying and harmonious, showcasing balance and elegance alongside its approachable richness. A refined and expressive Cabernet Sauvignon from an excellent vintage. -Jonathan Cristaldi, Dec 2024 Reviewed by: Decanter - 95 pts
Beautiful dark-fruit aromas and flavors on a sleek texture of fine-grained tannins. Red and black cherries, iron, earth and cocoa flavors. It increases its grip on the palate and finish, forming a firm, dry mouthfeel that will benefit from more time in the bottle. -Jim Gordon, Apr 2025 Reviewed by: James Suckling - 93 pts
The 2022 C.C. Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon offers a pure expression of Rutherford, pushing the edge of ripeness while retaining a juicy vibrancy. Concentrated red raspberry and cherry flavors blend beautifully with subtle notes of clove, baking spice, and the signature Rutherford dust. The oak harmonizes with the fruit, adding depth, while vibrant acidity and silky tannins create a layered mouthfeel. C.C. Ranch is planted in Rutherford, along the slope of a knoll west of the Silverado Trail. The vineyard grows classic Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon on well-drained, gravelly loam soil and receives a variety of exposures, depending on the block and location. The vines are well balanced and the canopy is opened up to give good light exposure. Nickel & Nickel produces wine from 15 select acres of this 115-acre vineyard. Reviewed by: Producer
The 2022 Bear Track Cabernet Sauvignon showcases a deep garnet purple wine boasts aromas of spiced blackberries, fruitcake, plum pudding, Indian spices, earth, and violets. On the palate, structured tannins and a muscular yet soft texture reveal rich currant and black cherry flavors, accented by baking spices and a hint of nuttiness. Despite its big presence, the wine finishes long and multilayered, with a classic, earthy depth.
Des Carles "Has a serious volume on the palate, supported by firm tannins and dusty-earth accents that are hallmarks of the Rutherford Bench. Balanced acidity lifts the finish while subtle notes of clove and baking spice linger with each sip.
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