2010 Nickel & Nickel Cabernet Sauvignon from Branding Iron Vineyard
The Winery
Nickel & Nickel was founded in 1997 to showcase single vineyard production of wines. The Branding Iron Vineyard is located at the base of the Mayacamas range on the western side of Napa Valley. It is an eight and one half acre vineyard planted in 1998. Currently they have 17 different single vineyard designated Cabernet Sauvignon’s!
The Wine
Pulled this out of the cellar where it had been resting comfortably for the last 9 years! The 2010 Branding Iron Cabernet Sauvignon used 48% new French oak and the balance once used oak. It was aged 18 months in barrel and is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.
This wine is always special to enjoy by itself or a with a big juicy steak. This evening was enjoyed by itself with each sip being thoroughly appreciated. On the eyes a very deep crimson color with medium heavy viscosity. On the nose, dark and red fruits waft into the senses. Once on the palate, blackberry, raspberry fruits abound. Secondary flavors of spices, light tobacco and rounded tannins performed their magic in the mouth. The finish with light tannins, yet a strong structure existed, provided a clean and enduring finish. This is a rich and bold Cabernet Sauvignon. Their current release is their 2018 and the website shows it for $125/bottle.
When aged this long, I would highly recommend decanting and filtering before severing as there was a large buildup of sentiment due to cellaring.
Sláinte,
Michael
California Wines & Wineries 