98pts Decanter

Compact and full-bodied, with intense, chewy tannins that balance muscular power with freshness.… A finely tuned, powerful Cabernet that captures depth and vibrancy in equal measure.

95pts 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. Drink now or hold.

93pts Wine Enthusiast

Bold and powerful, the State Ranch Cabernet opens with aromas of wild berries, violets, and crushed stone. The palate features abundant blackberry, blueberry, and cranberry flavors, complemented by cardamom, clove, and rich, velvety tannins. With natural acidity and a silky balance, this wine from rocky, well-drained soil will evolve beautifully over the next decade.

91pts Wine Spectator

Solid for the vintage, with a core of red and black currant paste laced with licorice and singed alder, plus a flash of warm earth. Approachable already, which is in line with the vintage profile. Drink now through 2032. 3,200 cases made.

Tasting Notes

Bold and powerful, the State Ranch Cabernet opens with aromas of wild berries, violets, and crushed stone. The palate features abundant blackberry, blueberry, and cranberry flavors, complemented by cardamom, clove, and rich, velvety tannins. With natural acidity and a silky balance, this wine from rocky, well-drained soil will evolve beautifully over the next decade.

Vineyard Notes

State Ranch is located northeast of the town of Yountville. The vineyard is divided into two parcels by State Lane Road and consists of both older and younger 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. As the young vines mature, we will be harvesting many different clones to make the final wine. 

About the Winery

Nickel & Nickel is a Napa Valley winery founded in 1997 by Gil and Beth Nickel—of Far Niente fame—with a mission to craft single-varietal, single-vineyard wines that showcase Napa’s diverse terroirs. Situated on a restored 19th-century farmstead in Oakville, the winery debuted its cutting-edge facility in 2003 and now produces a portfolio largely centered on Cabernet Sauvignon, with additional single-vineyard offerings of Chardonnay, Merlot, Syrah, and Zinfandel. The tasting experience uniquely pairs their historic estate charm—Queen Anne house, Gleason Barn, underground barrel cellar—with seated, appointment-only tours that delve into vineyard learning and terroir-driven tastings