97pts James Suckling

Bright aromas of black currants and lavender with intense pencil shavings and green tobacco leaves followed by roasted coffee beans and cedar. A full-bodied wine that is broad on the mid-palate with firm yet fine-grained tannins and bright acidity. Great depth and length here. Wonderful tension and density as well as harmony.

94pts Wine Enthusiast

Oozing blueberry richness and chocolaty spices, this full-bodied but relatively soft and plush wine eases onto the palate, soothing the senses and revealing dried cherries, blueberry syrup and cocoa powder on its mouthfilling texture. Deep within are oak char, graphite and espresso flavors that need time to meld with the intense fruits.

92pts Wine Spectator

This is laden with dark plum and cassis notes that cruise through slowly, laced with graphite, ganache and alder accents, plus a subtle violet echo in the background. There's a fair amount of oak to soak up still, so a little patience is needed. Best from 2025 through 2036. 3,400 cases made.

Winemaker 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.

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