Gil Nickel who founded Far Niente started Nickel & Nickel to produce extraordinary single vineyard Napa Valley Cabs. Each is a very low production wine from a unique sub-appellation in Napa Valley. This one comes from the State Ranch vineyard in Yountville, just north of the Stag's Leap District, made famous by Beringer and now by Kapcsandy Estate. The 23-acre vineyard is divided into two parcels by State Lane Road and consists of both older (planted in 1990) and younger (planted in 2005) vines. Many excellent wines are produced from this area, in part due to the rocky, loam soil which has excellent drainage throughout the year. The vines, as well as the clusters, are moderate in size and the vineyard gets full sun throughout the day. Nickel & Nickel selects fruit from 14.5 acres of the vineyard for this wine. This 2018 is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in French oak barrels for 14 months, 50% new.
The Wine Advocate scored this 95 points saying "Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon State Ranch was aged for 18 months in French oak, 50% new. Deep garnet-purple in color, the nose is redolent of chocolate-covered cherries, blackberry preserves and black currant jelly with touches of wild sage, cast iron pan and cardamom with a waft of cumin seed. Full-bodied, the palate bursts with crunchy black fruit and loads of spicy accents, supported by firm grainy tannins and tons of freshness, finishing long and lively."
International Wine Report scored this 94 points saying "State Ranch is located northeast of the town of Yountville, this 23-acre vineyard is divided into two parcels by State Lane Road and consists of both older and younger vines planted to the rocky, Bale loam soils. The wine itself offers aromas of cassis and boysenberries, which are woven together with clove spices, herbs and hints of fresh cut florals all developing beautifully in the glass. On the palate this has an elegant side, with a medium body that is well-structured. It goes on to impresses with its wonderful overall balance of fruit and acidity, which provides a lovely sense of freshness through the long, spice-tinged finish. While it displays the potential to age, it can also be approachable early on, however will require time to unwind."
Wine Enthusiast Magazine scored this 93 points saying "This thickly concentrated wine is brimming in leather and dried herb, earthy and complex in savory and sweet spice. Black fruit dominates and broods along the rounded, velvety palate, offering luxury and complexity in equal measure."
Wine Spectator scored this 92 points saying "This is well-built, with cassis, crushed plum and blackberry fruit flavors that stretch out slowly and surely, inlaid with graphite, sweet tobacco and violet accents throughout. Ample tarry grip on the back end will need some cellaring to unwind. Best from 2022 through 2032."
