Nickel & Nickel C.C. Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Region and Vineyards

The C.C. Ranch Vineyard lies in the heart of Rutherford, Napa Valley, a revered sub-appellation known for producing structured, plush Cabernet Sauvignon with the signature "Rutherford dust" character. Nestled along a gentle knoll west of the Silverado Trail, the site benefits from exceptional drainage due to its gravelly loam soils. These soils—combined with ample sunshine and diverse vineyard exposures—encourage even ripening and complex flavor development.

Nickel & Nickel selects 15 acres from this expansive 115-acre estate to craft this single-vineyard wine, focusing on precision farming and vine balance. The canopy is meticulously managed to ensure optimal light exposure, crucial for full phenolic maturity.

Winemaking

The 2019 vintage began with spring rains that invigorated cover crops, enriching the soil with nutrients. Though the fruit set was lighter than average, this led to exceptional concentration and aromatic intensity. A cooler autumn allowed slow, steady ripening, avoiding overripe flavors while preserving balance.

Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine underwent a 22-day skin maceration to extract maximum color, aroma, and structure. Aging occurred over 16 months in French oak barrels, with a 50/50 split between new and once-used oak. This judicious oak regime imparts structure and toast without overpowering the fruit purity.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep, concentrated garnet with purple hues.
• Aroma: Aromas of plum and boysenberry dominate the nose, layered with floral and herbal nuances that lend complexity and intrigue.
• Palate: A creamy mouthfeel envelops the palate, showcasing a broad spectrum of ripe raspberry, plum, and spicy undertones. The tannins are supple yet persistent, offering a graceful finish that speaks to the wine’s ageing potential and finesse.

Did you know?

Nickel & Nickel’s first vintage of C.C. Ranch dates back to 2005, making this a relatively recent but consistently celebrated addition to their single-vineyard portfolio. The vineyard itself, however, has deep roots in Rutherford’s history, contributing to some of Napa’s most acclaimed wines for decades.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled ribeye steak: The wine’s depth and ripe tannins make it a natural match for rich, marbled beef.
• Lamb tagine with prunes: The fruit-forward character harmonizes beautifully with the sweet-savory profile of the dish.
• Porcini mushroom risotto: Earthy flavors complement the Cabernet’s savory complexity and creamy mouthfeel.
• Aged Gouda or Comté: Hard cheeses enhance the wine’s texture and amplify its dark fruit notes.

History of Nickel & Nickel

Established by the iconic Far Niente Winery in 1997, Nickel & Nickel was born from a singular vision: to craft 100% varietal wines from Napa Valley’s most exceptional single-vineyard sites. It represents a distinct departure from Far Niente’s more blended approach, allowing for a laser focus on the nuance and individuality of each parcel.

The estate is located in Oakville, at the historic John C. Sullenger farmstead, a 19th-century property thoughtfully restored to preserve its architectural heritage. The winery seamlessly blends tradition and innovation: behind the Queen Anne-style farmhouse and classic barns lies a state-of-the-art, solar-powered facility equipped to vinify each parcel separately, ensuring precision from vineyard to bottle.

From the beginning, site selection has been at the heart of Nickel & Nickel’s philosophy. Soil structure, rootstock, clonal material, vineyard exposure, and farming methods are all scrutinized to reveal each vineyard's unique character. Their commitment to sustainable viticulture and winery practices ensures a future-forward approach while honoring the integrity of Napa Valley's land and heritage.

Region and Vineyards

Nickel & Nickel’s vineyard portfolio reads like a who’s who of Napa Valley terroirs. With sites spread across Oakville, Rutherford, St. Helena, Howell Mountain, Calistoga, and Yountville, the winery showcases the full geographic and climatic diversity of Napa. These include standout parcels such as C.C. Ranch, John C. Sullenger, Martin Stelling, and State Ranch, among others.

Each of these vineyard-designated wines is farmed with site-specific viticulture, allowing subtle differences in soil, elevation, and aspect to shape the identity of the final wine. As a result, wines grown mere miles apart reveal distinct personalities - offering a rare comparative lens into Napa’s complex geology.

Wine Range of Nickel & Nickel

The estate produces an extensive and meticulously curated collection of single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, along with a limited range of single-vineyard Chardonnay. Key bottlings include:

• John C. Sullenger Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Oakville)
• C.C. Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon (Rutherford)
• State Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon (Yountville)
• Martin Stelling, Branding Iron, Dragonfly, and Kenefick Ranch
• Truchard Vineyard Chardonnay (Carneros)

All wines are crafted by Joe Harden, winemaker since 2018, whose deep experience with Napa’s terroirs—gained notably at Robert Mondavi and UC Davis - has helped Nickel & Nickel earn multiple 95+ point scores from top wine publications.

Did you know?

Before becoming a full-time winemaker, Joe Harden played professional basketball in Australia and the NBA D League. His passion for wine began early—growing up on a vineyard in Lodi—and today he brings both athletic focus and scientific precision to his winemaking.