Nickel & Nickel John C. Sullenger Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

Planted on 30 acres of clay loam soil, this property is the home vineyard for Nickel & Nickel. Brilliant red-fruit aromas lead to a glorious entry of dried violets, dark chocolate, and a field of boysenberry. Sleek tannins impart a streamlined texture, and notes of roasted coffee, black cherry, and cherry pith surround an earthy middle before continuing through the juicy finish.

So silky but also so potent and concentrated, this luxurious wine is drenched in black fruits, oak spices, cocoa and mint that come up in the aroma and expand beautifully on the palate while the texture remains elegant and seductive. The wine is remarkable more for its finesse than its power. Best from 2027–2037.

The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon John C. Sullenger Vineyard comes from a site just south of To Kalon. Loaded with black cherries and ripe fruit, this full-bodied wine is rich, voluptuous and silky on the outside, but underneath that flesh, there's a firm structure and dusty tannins that linger easily on the elegant finish. This is a real beauty from the western side of Oakville.

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon John C. Sullenger comes from a site in Oakville and is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon brought up in 55% new French oak. This deep purple-hued effort offers a textbook Oakville perfume of ripe black fruits, iron, smoked tobacco, and graphite. This carries to a powerful, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon with a broad, expansive mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and a gorgeous finish.

Delightful blue plums and black cherries followed by violets, fresh thyme, black ink and vanilla beans. Full-bodied, compressed yet juicy tannins with soft acidity. Polished mid-palate and finish. Balanced yet give this more time to come around.