2022 Nickel & Nickel Cabernet Sauvignon, State Ranch Vineyard

Gil Nickel who founded Far Niente started Nickel & Nickel to produce extraordinary single vineyard Napa Valley Cabs. Each is a very low production wine from a unique sub-appellation in Napa Valley. This one comes from the State Ranch vineyard in Yountville, just north of the Stag's Leap District, made famous by Beringer and now by Kapcsandy Estate.

The 23-acre vineyard is divided into two parcels by State Lane Road and consists of both older (planted in 1990) and younger (planted in 2005) vines. Many excellent wines are produced from this area, in part due to the rocky, loam soil which has excellent drainage throughout the year. The vines, as well as the clusters, are moderate in size and the vineyard gets full sun throughout the day. Nickel & Nickel selects fruit from 14.5 acres of the vineyard for this wine.

Decanter rated this wine 98 Points, saying: "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 12th State Ranch Vineyard northeast of Yountville off State Lane Road."

James Suckling rated this wine 95 Points, saying: "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."

Wine Enthusiast rated this wine 93 Points, saying: "Full-bodied yet silken, this ample Cabernet oozes with rich chocolate, cassis, a mix of fruit liqueurs, coffee and spices. Generous and enveloping, allow air upon opening and enjoy with rich and savory foods."

Winemaker's Notes

From the outset, this is one powerful, deeply expressive Cabernet with heady black currant, plum, and cedar aromas leading into a big, juicy entry. Layered currant and black cherry flavors are accented by elegant clove notes. Bold, coating tannins support and frame the entire wine, and hints of wet slate add dimension to a dark, brooding finish.