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2016 Nickel and Nickel Kenefick Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon

Removed from a temperature and humidity controlled wine storage unit; Purchased at retail

Removed from a temperature and humidity controlled wine cellar; Purchased at retail

Ends Sunday, 7pm Pacific

RATINGS

95The Wine Advocate

... scented of cedar, cigars, earth and iron ore with wafts of violets, cassis, redcurrants and warm plums. The palate is full, rich and profound, with grainy tannins and an earthy finish.

94Vinous / IWC

...powerful and explosive, with terrific energy to back up the crème de cassis, scorched earth, licorice, smoke and incense flavors... Pliant and generous on the palate, yet very much medium in body...wonderfully complete wine.

94Jeb Dunnuck

...elegant, charming, beautifully balanced... Plums, blueberries, graphite, cedarwood, and hints of savory herbs and earth all flow to a medium to full-bodied, nicely concentrated, elegant wine that has silky tannins, notable purity, and a beautiful finish.

93James Suckling

Some earthy aromas with black truffle across ripe blackcurrants and cedary fresh oak influence, leading to a palate that has a very suave, concentrated and fresh core of blue-fruit flavors.

PRODUCER

Nickel and Nickel

Nickel & Nickel, in Oakville, was founded in 1997 by the partners who also own the Far Niente and Dolce wineries. The founding principle behind Nickel & Nickel is to make only 100% varietal, single-vineyard wines. As a result the winery creates single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons from six sub appellations including Oakville, St. Helena, Howell Mountain, Rutherford, Stags Leap and Yountville. The producer also makes single-vineyard Chardonnay, Merlot, Syrah and Zinfandel from vineyards in Napa Valley and Sonoma. Winemaker Darice Spinelli joined the winery in 1998. Nickel & Nickel’s headquarters is located on a 19th century farmstead where the original 1884 farmhouse serves as the company’s offices.

REGION

United States, California, Napa Valley, Calistoga

Calistoga AVA is one of Napa Valley’s newer appellations, having been given appellation status in 2010. It is notable for its volcanic soil, which is unusual in the Napa Valley. Calistoga also experiences the greatest average 24-hour temperature swing of any Napa Valley AVAs, which Calistoga grape growers insist give the grapes time to “cool down” at night, making for better balanced wines. The 1,500 Calistoga vineyard acres are planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Syrah and Petite Sirah, along with smaller amounts of other varietals. Calistoga is at the northern end of Napa Valley, northwest of the Diamond District and St. Helena AVAs. Longtime winemaker Bo Barrett of Chateau Montelena, which is located in the Calistoga AVA, proposed the creation of the appellation.

TYPE

Red Wine, Cabernet Sauvignon

One of the most widely grown grape varieties, it can be found in nearly every wine growing region. A cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. It’s a hardy vine that produces a full-bodied wine with high tannins and great aging potential.