Nickel Nickel Cabernet Sauvignon Vaca Vista 750 ml
Country: United States /
Region: California /
Style: Wine /
Size: 750 ml /
Vintage: 2022 /
Sku: 8001272
Decanter97 Points
James Suckling91 Points
Suggested Food Pairing:
Beef
Game
Lamb
Reviews
Decanter97 Points
James Suckling91 Points
DC Decanter: 97 Points
This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon was aged for 20 months in 55% new French oak. The Vaca Vista Vineyard, a roughly 16ha site in the Oak Knoll District, provides fruit from two distinct clones—Clone 7 and Clone 685, an ENTAV clone. Winemaker Joe Harden highlights their contrasting characteristics: Clone 7 produces higher yields with larger clusters and berries, while Clone 685 delivers smaller, tightly packed clusters with lower yields, bringing focus, structure, and concentration. The clones are fermented separately, undergo malolactic fermentation in barrel, and are blended after the first racking to finish ageing together. The wine opens with a bright peppery character, complemented by dried bay leaf, dark cacao, and currant fruit. Medium to full-bodied, it showcases extremely polished, fine-grained tannins with a pixelated texture. Perfectly ripe, it boasts exceptional intensity and a remarkable freshness that transcends the warmth of the vintage. The extraordinary layered complexity and vibrant energy make this an exceptional expression of Oak Knoll Cabernet Sauvignon.
JS James Suckling: 91 Points
A supple, relaxed red that soothes the palate with ripe red and black fruit and soft tannins. A broad, generous texture brings along dried cherry, baked blueberry and cinnamon flavors in this full-bodied wine. Drink or hold.