Nickel and Nickel Branding Iron Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic single vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet from the western side of Oakville, made by one of the most respected names in the appellation. Nickel and Nickel, a sister winery to the legendary Far Niente, is devoted entirely to 100 percent varietal, single vineyard wines, guided by a simple philosophy of one vineyard, one varietal, one wine, so this bottling is a transparent expression of its Oakville terroir with no blending grapes added. The Branding Iron Vineyard sits in western Oakville, a benchland heart of Napa Valley renowned for powerful, structured Cabernet Sauvignon, and the wine is aged in French oak to build depth and complexity while preserving the vineyard's natural character. It pours a deep, saturated ruby to purple and offers seductive aromas of blackberry, black cherry and plum accented by barrel spice, toasty cedar, licorice and a subtle thread of vanilla cream, with an earthy, herbal undertone that emerges as it breathes. The palate is broad and brooding, with velvet tannins that coat the tongue and a compelling density from the mid palate onward, layering oak spice, dark cherry, licorice and a stone like texture with firm grip, while a tangy red fruit brightness underneath adds tension and keeps it lively. The finish is long and complex. Beautifully balanced, it can be enjoyed on release with decanting, yet it is built to age gracefully with time in the bottle. Serve it in a large Bordeaux glass alongside prime rib, grilled ribeye, lamb or a well seasoned pork tenderloin. This is a structured, richly flavored Oakville Cabernet made to reward both the table and the cellar.
ABV / Proof
| Brand |
Nickel & Nickel |
| Producer |
Nickel & Nickel (Far Niente family), Oakville, CA |
| Category |
Red Wine (Cabernet Sauvignon) |
| Vineyard |
Branding Iron Vineyard (single vineyard, western Oakville) |
| Grape |
100% Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Maturation |
French oak |
| ABV |
14.3% |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
United States |
| Region |
Oakville, Napa Valley, California |
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep, saturated ruby to purple.
Nose: Blackberry, black cherry and plum with barrel spice, toasty cedar, licorice and vanilla cream.
Palate: Broad and brooding, velvet tannins with oak spice, dark cherry, licorice and a stone like texture.
Finish: Long and complex.
FAQ
What is Nickel & Nickel Branding Iron Vineyard Cabernet? It is a 100 percent varietal, single vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from the Branding Iron Vineyard in western Oakville, made by Nickel & Nickel.
What is the alcohol content? This bottle is labeled at 14.3 percent alcohol by volume. Note that the exact figure can vary slightly by vintage.
What does one vineyard, one varietal, one wine mean? Nickel & Nickel bottles each wine from a single vineyard and a single grape with no blending, so it reflects the character of one specific site.
Should I drink it now or cellar it? It can be enjoyed on release with decanting, and it is also structured to age gracefully with time in the bottle.
What food pairs well with it? Prime rib, grilled ribeye, lamb, roasted meats and well seasoned pork.
Where can I buy Nickel & Nickel Branding Iron Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
