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2018 Nickel and Nickel Kenefick Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon

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Latest Sale Price

December 8, 2024 - $111

Estimate

RATINGS

96Jeb Dunnuck

Lots of crème de cassis, violets, spicy oak, damp earth, exotic spice notes give way to a seamless, medium to full-bodied Cabernet that has everything in the right place, the vintage's purity and freshness, building tannins, and outstanding length....concentrated yet elegant style...

95Vinous / IWC

...dark, brooding intensity... Inky dark fruit, cloves, licorice, lavender and menthol fill out the layers...gorgeous.

95James Suckling

Extremely aromatic with currant, flower and citrus on the nose...full-bodied...chewy tannins that are polished and very pretty. Long finish.

94The Wine Advocate

...nose of tar, new leather and damp soil, but soon gives way to an expressive core of black currant pastilles, blackberry pie and stewed plums plus a hint of Sichuan pepper. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers bags of earth-laced black fruits with grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing with a peppery kick.

PRODUCER

Nickel and Nickel

Nickel & Nickel, in Oakville, was founded in 1997 by the partners who also own the Far Niente and Dolce wineries. The founding principle behind Nickel & Nickel is to make only 100% varietal, single-vineyard wines. As a result the winery creates single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons from six sub appellations including Oakville, St. Helena, Howell Mountain, Rutherford, Stags Leap and Yountville. The producer also makes single-vineyard Chardonnay, Merlot, Syrah and Zinfandel from vineyards in Napa Valley and Sonoma. Winemaker Darice Spinelli joined the winery in 1998. Nickel & Nickel’s headquarters is located on a 19th century farmstead where the original 1884 farmhouse serves as the company’s offices.

REGION

United States, California, Napa Valley, Calistoga

Calistoga AVA is one of Napa Valley’s newer appellations, having been given appellation status in 2010. It is notable for its volcanic soil, which is unusual in the Napa Valley. Calistoga also experiences the greatest average 24-hour temperature swing of any Napa Valley AVAs, which Calistoga grape growers insist give the grapes time to “cool down” at night, making for better balanced wines. The 1,500 Calistoga vineyard acres are planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Syrah and Petite Sirah, along with smaller amounts of other varietals. Calistoga is at the northern end of Napa Valley, northwest of the Diamond District and St. Helena AVAs. Longtime winemaker Bo Barrett of Chateau Montelena, which is located in the Calistoga AVA, proposed the creation of the appellation.

TYPE

Red Wine, Cabernet Sauvignon

One of the most widely grown grape varieties, it can be found in nearly every wine growing region. A cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. It’s a hardy vine that produces a full-bodied wine with high tannins and great aging potential.