2021 Nickel & Nickel, C.C. Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley   

VINEYARD DESCRIPTION C.C. Ranch is planted in Rutherford, along the slope of a knoll west of the Silverado Trail. The vineyard grows classic Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon on well-drained, gravelly loam soil and receives a variety of exposures, depending on the block and location. The vines are well balanced and the canopy is opened up to give good light exposure. Nickel & Nickel produces wine from 15 select acres of this 115-acre vineyard. HARVEST NOTES In 2011, cloud cover in the winter and early spring delayed the year’s growing season, but above average rainfall filled the reservoirs. Bloom this year occurred in June, which is the latest on record. Given that this vineyard is in Rutherford, it experienced slightly more heat than further south and the vineyard exposure allowed the flavors to develop. We harvested in early October—one of the first vineyards we harvested this year. SENSORY EVALUATION The 2011 C.C. Ranch has some of the brightest fruit from the entire vintage. Aromas of red fruit lead to juicy cherry and berry flavors, harmonized with the earthiness from the Rutherford area and a slight floral note. The oak chosen for this vineyard offers a lot of vanilla and spice, rounding out the jammy fruit impressions. The texture is soft and silky, readily approachable, with gentle tannins that make this wine desirable upon release.