Nickel & Nickel Cabernet Sauvignon John C. Sullenger Vineyard Oakville, Napa Valley, CA USA
Introduction:
The 2022 Nickel & Nickel John C. Sullenger Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is a luxurious Napa Valley single-vineyard offering from the heart of the Oakville AVA. It marries bold intensity with refined structure, showcasing deep fruit, polished tannins, and a vibrant future.
Terroir:
This wine is sourced from the John C. Sullenger Vineyard in Oakville, California—planted on rich clay-loam soils amidst Napa’s classic gravel terraces. The combination of warm Napa Valley days and cool evening breezes allows the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes to reach full phenolic ripeness while retaining freshness and tension.
Appearance:
A deep garnet hue with violet highlights and near-opaque core suggests superb concentration.
Nose:
A fragrant bouquet offers black cherry, cassis, and plum, layered with cocoa, graphite, and tobacco leaf. Subtle herbal notes (bay leaf) and toasted oak spices provide complexity and sophistication.
Palate:
Full-bodied and structured, the palate bursts with dark fruits—blackcurrant, ripe plum—balanced by firm yet velvety tannins. Oak-derived hints of mocha and cedar integrate seamlessly, while the wine’s acidity and mineral backbone lend longevity and balance.
Finish:
The finish is long and expressive: lingering dark fruit, dark chocolate, and a whisper of graphite carry through with polished tannins and a poised sense of calm. The wine leaves a lasting impression of depth and refinement.
Food Pairing Suggestions:
-
Meat dish: Dry-aged ribeye with cracked pepper or lamb rack with rosemary and juniper
-
Vegetarian option: Grilled portobello “steaks” with balsamic glaze or wild mushroom risotto with aged Parmesan
-
Cheese pairing: Aged Gouda, sharp cheddar or mature Pecorino — cheeses with depth and character to match the wine’s power
Overall Impression:
The 2022 John C. Sullenger Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is an impressive expression of Oakville Cabernet: rich, balanced, and built to age. With its deep fruit, polished structure, and elegant finish, it's ready to enjoy now with decanting and will reward cellaring for 10-15 years or more.
Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): ~14.5%
Farming Practices: Sustainable
Producer Name: Nickel & Nickel
Old World / New World: New World
Country of Origin: USA
Region: Oakville, Napa Valley, California
Grape Varietals: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2022
Wine Style: Dry red; full-bodied single-vineyard Cabernet with depth and structure
Winemaking Techniques: Small-parcel fermentation; aging in French and American oak barrels (some new); minimal intervention to showcase vineyard expression
Pack Size: 750 mL
Container Style: Standard Bordeaux-style glass bottle
Closure Style: Cork
Check out the press!
95 points, Decanter:
"Sourced from Nickel & Nickel's estate Sullenger Vineyard in Oakville, which surrounds the winery and tasting barn and extends east toward the Napa River and south to the Opus One property line, this 100% cabernet sauvignon was aged for 16 months in 55% new (45% seasoned) French oak. Crafted by winemaker Joe Harden, the 2022 vintage offers a beautifully lifted and perfumed profile. The wine features a juicy core of focused fruit, complemented by the hallmark tannins of Western Oakville, reminiscent of soft suede leather. Blue and black-toned fruits are underscored by graphite minerality, wild herb nuances, and a medley of Indian spices, creating a layered and expressive cabernet sauvignon with power and finesse."
"Sourced from Nickel & Nickel's estate Sullenger Vineyard in Oakville, which surrounds the winery and tasting barn and extends east toward the Napa River and south to the Opus One property line, this 100% cabernet sauvignon was aged for 16 months in 55% new (45% seasoned) French oak. Crafted by winemaker Joe Harden, the 2022 vintage offers a beautifully lifted and perfumed profile. The wine features a juicy core of focused fruit, complemented by the hallmark tannins of Western Oakville, reminiscent of soft suede leather. Blue and black-toned fruits are underscored by graphite minerality, wild herb nuances, and a medley of Indian spices, creating a layered and expressive cabernet sauvignon with power and finesse."
94 points, Wine Enthusiast:
"Lush and expansive, this cabernet of dark fruits, chocolate, basil and rich spices envelopes the nose and palate. Mouthwatering and lengthy, this wine delivers an intriguing balance of bold presence and poise."
"Lush and expansive, this cabernet of dark fruits, chocolate, basil and rich spices envelopes the nose and palate. Mouthwatering and lengthy, this wine delivers an intriguing balance of bold presence and poise."
You may also like
Recently viewed