I remember when Far Niente began breaking out single vineyard sites in Napa Valley and releasing them under the Nickel & Nickel brand in the late 1990's. Napa Valley wines were in high demand, and were selling out quickly. Wineries moved to make smaller-production lots that commanded higher prices, and if I'm not mistaken, this John C. Sullenger Vineyard bottling was one of the original Nickel & Nickel bottlings. It has always been solid, and this is a fine vintage. It is full-bore Napa Valley, and specifically Oakville in personality, redolent of dense blackcurrant fruit, a whiff of lavender, a brighter black cherry note, graphite, and a bit of vanilla and cocoa. The tannins are polished, and it should go for another seven to ten years just fine. It's a terrific wine. Part of me wishes it had some more of an angle to it, because in some ways it just seems like so many other terrific Oakville Cabernet Sauvignons. Nonetheless, it is a carefully crafted wine that ticks every box for the pedigree and price point. (94 Points)
- Tim Teichgraeber
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