Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Deep Ruby with aromas of ripe fresh berry fruits, spice and herb notes, has a splash of Merlot added to the Malbec. On the palate flavors of cherry and blackberry with notes of oak and black pepper notes. Fine soft tannins, great balance with acidity, long finish ending with juicy fruits and mineral notes. Good value! — 25 days ago

Jeremiah Diaz

9.2

Clear, deep ruby to purple in color; on the nose, it's clean with pronounced primary and secondary aromas of black plums, graphite, and green peppers; on the palate, it's dry with medium acidity, medium tannins, medium alcohol, full body, and pronounced primary and secondary aromas of blackberries, blueberries, tar, and clay pots with a long finish. This wine is balanced and intense. Overall, I rate it as very good. Nellie likes it too. — 2 months ago

with Nellie

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. — 4 months ago

Erik Longabardi

9.4

Linda Lista Chard. Genius — 19 days ago

Andy@andyberke.com

9.1

Probably a little young but very good. Plenty of fruit — 2 months ago

Peter Manchester

9.2

Very smooth.
Buttery, begging for a bite of steak. Lighter on the tannins than many Malbecs, slight acidity softens it and masks the high proof. — 3 months ago

Alvaro Bustillos

9.2

Brock thompson jordan john s kevin b — 6 months ago

Brian Lenich

9.0

Dinner with Mark and Anne — a month ago

Joel Lara

9.3

This is at a really good place right now, definitely within its drinking window. Long-aged balsamic with a harmonious blend of spices like clove and anise coming through on the nose with some woodsy herbs as well. Mix of plum, dark cherry, balsamic, and spice on the palate. Smooth mouthfeel gives way to a bit of astringency on finish, which is evened out by nice acidity along with balsamic and spice. Paired wonderfully with duck breast and balsamic, red wine reduction with cherries. — 2 months ago

Judy Miko

9.1

Very light, smooth — 3 months ago

with Lauren