Nickel & Nickel John C. Sullenger Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Region and Vineyards

The John C. Sullenger Vineyard lies directly behind the Nickel & Nickel winery, at the core of Oakville, Napa Valley—a region globally recognized for producing some of the finest Cabernet Sauvignon. This vineyard bears the name of John C. Sullenger, a 19th-century pioneer who first established the site as a working farmstead in the 1880s. Today, its 30 acres of clay loam soils are devoted entirely to Cabernet Sauvignon, planted with a selection of clones and two rootstocks to enhance complexity.

The site’s position in central Oakville ensures it benefits from the cooling influence of nearby marine breezes while retaining abundant sun exposure. These conditions encourage long, even ripening and exceptional flavor development. The combination of soil richness and climate balance translates into wines with both density and elegance—a hallmark of this vineyard.

Winemaking

The 2019 vintage was marked by favorable conditions and a long, temperate growing season. Though 2021 was drier, the 2019 harvest followed a similar arc of gradual ripening, allowing the fruit to achieve full phenolic maturity without overripeness. Clusters were hand-harvested between October 1 and 13, with optimal concentration due to smaller berry size.

After a 22-day skin maceration, the wine was aged for 16 months in French oak barrels, of which 55% were new. This aging regime imparted subtle oak spice and roundness without overwhelming the purity of the fruit. The result is a wine that is bold, structured, and texturally refined—typical of Oakville’s best expressions.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby with violet reflections.
• Aroma: Red plum and raspberry dominate, complemented by hints of earthy spice and soft toast.
• Palate: Rich and juicy with layers of red fruit, integrated spice, and rounded tannins. The finish is long, lifted, and seductively smooth, sustained by fine Oakville tannic structure.

Did you know?

The Sullenger Vineyard is Nickel & Nickel’s home vineyard, and the first vintage produced under its name was 1997. The site’s consistent excellence has made it a flagship for the estate’s single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon philosophy.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Dry-aged New York strip: The wine’s tannic frame stands up beautifully to well-marbled beef cuts.
• Duck breast with cherry glaze: Bright red fruit notes in the wine mirror the sauce while tannins cut through the fat.
• Porcini mushroom ragù: Earthy undertones in both wine and dish create a harmonious pairing.
• Aged cheddar or Manchego: The bold fruit and structure contrast elegantly with firm, nutty cheeses.

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.