Nickel and Nickel Fog Break Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 is a striking single vineyard mountain Cabernet from Atlas Peak, one of Napa Valley's most coveted high elevation appellations. Nickel and Nickel, a sister winery to the legendary Far Niente, is devoted entirely to 100 percent varietal, single vineyard wines, guided by a philosophy of one vineyard, one varietal, one wine, so this is a pure, transparent expression of a remarkable site with no blending grapes added. The Fog Break Vineyard sits just above the fog line on Atlas Peak at around 1,800 feet, sheltered from the valley breezes, where it captures the heat of the early morning sun through the day. That retained warmth, paired with the vineyard's shallow, iron rich red volcanic soils, creates a wine of spectacular concentration, complexity and structure. It was aged in French oak to build depth while preserving the site's natural character. The 2023 vintage earned an outstanding 97 points from James Suckling. It pours a deep, saturated purple and offers a lovely perfume of black and red currants, blackberry, violets and purple flowers layered with dried herbs, graphite, iron earth, wet stones, espresso and harmonious cedar and toast. The palate is taut, focused and medium to full bodied, showing precision and nerve with a silken, polished texture, superfine tannins, a wonderful mineral, volcanic feel and delightful, crunchy acidity that keeps it lively. The finish is long and mineral. Already remarkably drinkable on release with decanting, it is built to age gracefully, especially given its Atlas Peak structure. Serve it in a large Bordeaux glass with grilled ribeye, lamb, venison or aged cheeses. This is a mountain Cabernet of real purity and finesse.
ABV / Proof
| Brand |
Nickel & Nickel |
| Producer |
Nickel & Nickel (Far Niente family), Oakville, CA |
| Category |
Red Wine (Cabernet Sauvignon) |
| Vineyard |
Fog Break Vineyard (single vineyard, Atlas Peak, ~1,800 ft) |
| Vintage |
2023 |
| Grape |
100% Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Maturation |
French oak (~16 months) |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
United States |
| Region |
Atlas Peak, Napa Valley, California |
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep, saturated purple.
Nose: Black and red currants, blackberry, violets and dried herbs with graphite, iron earth, wet stones, espresso and cedar.
Palate: Taut and focused, medium to full bodied with a silken texture, superfine tannins, minerality and crunchy acidity.
Finish: Long, polished and mineral.
FAQ
What is Nickel & Nickel Fog Break Vineyard Cabernet? It is a 100 percent varietal, single vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from the Fog Break Vineyard on Atlas Peak, made by Nickel & Nickel.
What makes Atlas Peak special? Fog Break sits above the fog line at around 1,800 feet on shallow, iron rich red volcanic soils, giving concentrated, mineral, structured mountain fruit.
How is the 2023 rated? The 2023 vintage earned 97 points from James Suckling.
Should I drink it now or cellar it? It is already drinkable on release with decanting, and its structure lets it age gracefully, especially given the Atlas Peak profile.
What food pairs well with it? Grilled ribeye, lamb, venison, roasted meats and aged cheeses.
Where can I buy Nickel & Nickel Fog Break Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
