Nickel & Nickel is situated in Oakville on the site of a farm established by John C. Sullenger. He secured the land in 1865 and had been involved with mining activities in Napa Valley. Gil and Beth Nickel purchased the property in 1997. The property is 42 acres in size and is home to the John C Sullinger Vineyards.

Joe Harden became director of winemaking in 2018 and works with 24 separate vineyards. According to Joe, he likes to use “light oak to add layers and not overpower the Cabernet Sauvignon.” “Named for the aerial artistry of the valley’s blackbirds, Air Show Vineyard is planted in gravelly, well-drained soils in the heart of Oakville along the crossroad.” During a horizontal tasting at the winery, I was thoroughly impressed with the unique, single appellation style of these Cabernet Sauvignons and how well they define the sub-soils where they are grown.

This opaque-garnet beauty is stunning with a vibrant bouquet of crushed flowers, rose petals and baking spices. It has an extremely broad mid-palate of Asian spices, freshly cut cedar and a dusting of chocolate shavings. The glycerin oozes from the core in this finesse-driven Cabernet. There is an incredible length to this wine that seems endless. This is a compelling wine that should be in everyone’s cellar.

By W Peter Hoyne