Nickel & Nickel 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Hayne Vineyard
Nickel & Nickel winery, located in Oakville, Napa Valley, produces 100 percent varietal, single-vineyard wines that express the distinct personality of each vineyard. Established by the partners of Far Niente in 1997, Nickel & Nickel is focused on producing single-vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from the appellation’s most significant AVAs. A small collection of single-vineyard Chardonnay, Merlot and Syrah complements the portfolio. Construction of a cutting-edge winery facility housed within a vintage 1880s farmstead was completed in the summer of 2003, when the winery officially opened to the public.
The Hayne Vineyard is situated in St. Helena at the base of the Mayacamas Mountains and is well known for its single-vineyard wines from the site. The vines are moderate in size due to the gravelly, loam soils and the vineyard produces small yields. The warm St. Helena temperatures are ideal for producing sweet, jammy fruit and this vineyard tends to be picked at the beginning of harvest each year. Nickel & Nickel produces wine from 9 acres.
Opening a bottle, I let it breathe for about 45 minutes before I took a sip. Deep ruby red with concentrated aromas of ample ripe black fruit with subtle nutty spice and sweet herbs. The wine is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and aged in French oak for 18 months (47% new, remainder 1 year old). The palate offers a complexity of flavors of dark jammy fruit, black cherry and dried blackberries, with a firm touch of oak, leather and sweet vanilla spice. Tannins are present, yet approachable and provides an elegant long finish with a slight mineral tang. Very Nice, however set this one aside for a few more years and you will be rewarded.
Cheers!