Nickel and Nickel John C. Sullenger Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 is a benchmark single vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet from one of the most respected names in Oakville. Nickel and Nickel, a sister winery to the legendary Far Niente, is devoted entirely to 100 percent varietal, single vineyard wines, each made to express the distinct character of one specific site with no blending grapes added. The Sullenger Vineyard is the winery's home vineyard, situated directly behind the winery in the heart of Oakville just south of the famed To Kalon, and it is named for John C. Sullenger, who settled the farmstead in the 1880s. Its 30 acres of clay loam soil are planted exclusively to Cabernet Sauvignon across a couple of rootstocks and several clones, each adding a unique element to the finished wine, which is aged in French oak to build complexity and structure. The 2023 vintage has earned exceptional reviews, including 96 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate and 95 points from Jeb Dunnuck. It pours an inky purple and offers gorgeous aromatics of cassis, black cherry, currants, violets, graphite, iron and leafy tobacco. The palate is medium to full bodied, rich yet focused, with ripe black fruit framed by fine grained, cocoa powder tannins, the fresher and more structured character of the vintage, and outstanding length on a polished, detailed finish. Silky on the surface but firmly structured underneath, it drinks beautifully now with decanting yet is built to cellar, and critics suggest it will reward three to four years of patience and age gracefully for two decades. Serve it in a large Bordeaux glass alongside grilled ribeye, lamb or aged cheeses. This is a real Oakville beauty.
ABV / Proof
| Brand |
Nickel & Nickel |
| Producer |
Nickel & Nickel (Far Niente family), Oakville, CA |
| Category |
Red Wine (Cabernet Sauvignon) |
| Vineyard |
John C. Sullenger Vineyard (single vineyard) |
| Vintage |
2023 |
| Grape |
100% Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Maturation |
French oak |
| ABV |
14.2% |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
United States |
| Region |
Oakville, Napa Valley, California |
Tasting Notes
Color: Inky purple.
Nose: Cassis, black cherry, currants, violets, graphite, iron and leafy tobacco.
Palate: Medium to full bodied, ripe black fruit with fine grained cocoa powder tannins and a structured core.
Finish: Polished, detailed and long.
FAQ
What is Nickel & Nickel John C. Sullenger Vineyard Cabernet? It is a 100 percent varietal, single vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from Nickel & Nickel's home vineyard in Oakville, named for the 1880s settler John C. Sullenger.
What is the vintage and alcohol content? This is the 2023 vintage, bottled at 14.2 percent alcohol by volume in a 750ml bottle.
How is it rated? The 2023 earned 96 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate and 95 points from Jeb Dunnuck, among other strong reviews.
Should I drink it now or cellar it? It drinks well now with decanting, but its structure rewards three to four years of aging and it should cellar gracefully for up to two decades.
What food pairs well with it? Grilled ribeye, lamb, roasted meats and aged cheeses.
Where can I buy Nickel & Nickel John C. Sullenger Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
