Nickel & Nickel State Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

Region and Vineyards

Located northeast of the town of Yountville, the State Ranch Vineyard stretches across 23 acres of rocky loam soils, divided by State Lane Road into distinct parcels. With a mix of older and younger vines, the vineyard benefits from full sun exposure throughout the day. The site’s naturally well-draining soils and vine balance consistently yield low, concentrated clusters, ideal for crafting high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon.

Yountville’s location in the southern part of Napa Valley offers a unique microclimate. While generally cooler than northern AVAs, its exposure to daily sunshine and warmer inland influence creates optimal conditions for even ripening. The result is a style of Cabernet that is robust, ripe, yet nuanced, with refined tannins and deep fruit character.

Winemaking

The 2020 growing season began with light winter rains and a dry spring, which led to low cluster counts and small berries—a combination that typically signals high concentration and flavor intensity. Summer remained moderate, with a few brief heat spikes. The vintage was notably impacted by the 2020 wildfires, prompting meticulous monitoring for smoke taint. Harvest took place between September 22 and 25, with careful passes to pick rows at peak ripeness and quality.

Fermentation occurred in small lots, allowing close control and selective blending. The final wine was composed only of the best batches, ensuring a pure and polished expression of the vineyard.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep, opaque ruby with youthful purple hues.
• Aroma: Perfumed with wild berries, black cherry, and lifted aromatic herbs.
• Palate: Juicy and concentrated, unfolding with layers of black plum, cassis, and clove spice. The polished tannins create a smooth texture and support a long, silky finish.

Did you know?

State Ranch first appeared under the Nickel & Nickel label in 2006. Since then, it has become a cornerstone of the estate’s single-vineyard program, prized for its consistent structure, ripeness, and age-worthiness.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled lamb chops with rosemary: The herbal lift of the wine enhances the aromatic crust of the meat.
• Short rib ragu over polenta: The richness of the dish matches the wine’s depth and velvety tannins.
• Mushroom and black truffle risotto: A decadent pairing that mirrors the earthy notes and spice in the wine.
• Aged Parmesan or Pecorino: Hard cheeses highlight the structure and savory complexity of this bold Cabernet.

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.