Freddy R. Troya

9.3

Nickel & Nickel – Vaca Vista Vineyard – Cab Sauv– 2022
Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley, California 🇺🇸

Overview
A single-vineyard Napa Cabernet sourced from the cool and elegant Oak Knoll District. Fermented and aged with the classic Nickel & Nickel precision, this expression favors balance, red-to-dark fruit purity, and structure over sheer power. A modern Napa style that emphasizes approachability without sacrificing depth.

Aromas & Flavors
Black cherry, cassis, plum, and violet, with cedar, vanilla, graphite, and a touch of baking spice. Subtle oak integration allows the fruit and minerality to shine.

Mouthfeel
Medium-plus in body, polished, and cohesive. Fresh acidity, supple tannins, and a graceful arc from entry to finish. Not a bruiser — a refined, cooler-climate profile that stays lively and lifted.

Food Pairings
Flat iron steak, short ribs, mushroom risotto, grilled lamb chops, herb-crusted pork tenderloin, or aged cheeses.

Verdict
A beautifully balanced, site-driven Napa Cabernet that delivers both sophistication and drinkability. Finessed rather than forceful, and a strong example of why Oak Knoll continues to be one of Napa’s most exciting AVAs for Cabernet.

Did You Know?
Nickel & Nickel was founded by the Far Niente family with a mission to produce 100% varietal, single-vineyard wines, showcasing Napa’s terroir with clarity. Oak Knoll is one of Napa Valley’s coolest sub-AVAs, producing elegant, aromatic reds with natural acidity and restraint.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
Oak Knoll being a single-vineyard expression from this sub-AVA makes it one of the easiest, most easygoing Cabernets from the Napa floor, and I always like to have it as an opener when pouring more intense Napa reds. A perfect warm-up that sets the stage beautifully. — 5 days ago

Mark Mannebach

9.3

Dark cherry, boysenberry upfront with a long finish with tobacco and chocolate notes. — 2 months ago

Joe DAscoli

9.3

On the older side. Little raisin flavor but overall still good wine. — 4 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.4

2022 vintage. Decanted and tasted after 30 minutes. Medium/medium-heavy body. Ripe nose. This was supple and giving from the get-go. Nice mineral subtleties beneath the richness currently. Thank you @Neil Valenzuela 12.10.25. — 3 days ago

with Neil

Andy@andyberke.com

9.2

Really spectacular. A lot of personality, especially up front — a month ago

Dan Cobb

9.4

Super approachable for a 6 yr old can. Very enjoyable — 3 months ago

Scot Walker

9.0

Dark fruit, espresso and black currant in the nose with dark fruit in the palate. Paired well with both a smoked cheese and salami. — 2 hours ago

Frank Soldano

9.2

Drinking the 2017 in 2025. Fruit forward bouquet with earthy hints on the finish. Thin legs that quickly dissipate. Light flavors with sweet ripe fruit notes and light tannins. Smooth finish. — 16 days ago

Austin Hohnke

9.1

Nicely balanced and fresh with sliced apple, pear, melon, papaya, tangerine, and a brush of vanilla from 10 months in barrel (30% new). There’s a salty streak here that I didn’t expect. Not over the top. Entry level single vineyard from Far Niente. — 2 months ago

Paul Woolls

9.4

Twenty years old and still full of fruit. What a joy to experience this longevity. Plush, with a long finish. — 4 months ago