Introduction
The 2021 Nickel & Nickel Cabernet Sauvignon from the John C. Sullenger Vineyard is a rich and expressive single-vineyard Cabernet that captures the essence of Oakville in Napa Valley. Produced by Nickel & Nickel, known for its dedication to single-vineyard wines, this Cabernet showcases the powerful structure, ripe fruit, and fine tannins that have made Oakville one of the most celebrated AVAs in Napa Valley. The Sullenger Vineyard, located in the heart of Oakville, yields a Cabernet Sauvignon with both intensity and elegance.

Terrior
The John C. Sullenger Vineyard is located on the valley floor in Oakville, one of Napa Valley’s premier regions for Cabernet Sauvignon. The vineyard’s well-drained gravelly loam soils promote deep root growth, adding concentration and complexity to the grapes. Oakville’s warm, sunny days and cool nights create an ideal growing environment, allowing Cabernet Sauvignon to achieve full ripeness while maintaining acidity. The result is a wine with depth, structure, and the characteristic dark fruit profile of Oakville Cabernets.

Appearance
Deep, opaque ruby with purple hues, showcasing the wine’s concentration and youthfulness. The wine is clear and has high viscosity, indicating a full-bodied profile.

Nose
The nose is intense and layered, with aromas of black cherry, blackberry, and cassis, complemented by notes of cocoa, cedar, and dried herbs. Subtle hints of graphite, vanilla, and a touch of espresso from oak aging add depth and complexity, giving the wine a classic Napa Valley Cabernet bouquet.

Palate
Full-bodied and structured, the palate reveals concentrated flavors of blackcurrant, ripe plum, and dark cherry, balanced by savory notes of tobacco, dark chocolate, and a hint of crushed stone. The tannins are firm and velvety, providing a solid backbone that frames the lush fruit. A lively acidity keeps the wine fresh, while the oak influence adds complexity with nuances of vanilla, clove, and toasted oak, enhancing the wine’s layered profile without overshadowing the purity of the fruit.

Finish
The finish is long and powerful, with lingering notes of dark fruit, cocoa, and a touch of minerality. The refined tannins and balanced acidity leave a lasting impression of elegance and structure, showcasing the wine’s potential for aging.

Overall Impression
The 2021 Nickel & Nickel Cabernet Sauvignon John C. Sullenger Vineyard is a beautifully crafted Oakville Cabernet with impressive depth, complexity, and aging potential. With its layers of ripe fruit, spice, and refined tannins, this wine pairs perfectly with grilled steaks, lamb chops, or roasted meats. It is approachable now with decanting but will continue to develop and gain complexity over the next 10–15 years, making it an excellent choice for collectors and enthusiasts.

Published Rankings
Wine Enthusiast Rating: 95
James Suckling Rating: 96
Robert Parker Rating: 94
Vinous Rating: 93
Jeb Dunnuck Rating: 95
Decanter Ranking: 94
Wine Spectator: 93
Wine Enthusiast: 95

Published Awards and Recognition
Awarded Gold Medal at the 2023 San Francisco International Wine Competition; featured in Wine Enthusiast’s "Top Napa Valley Cabernets"; recognized by James Suckling as one of the "Best Oakville Cabernets of the Year."

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: 2021
Wine Style: Dry Red
Winemaking Techniques: Fermented in stainless steel tanks to retain purity; aged in French oak barrels (50% new) for 18 months to enhance structure and add complexity
Pack Size: 750 ml
Container Style: Bottle
Closure Style: Cork