2018 Nickel & Nickel 'State Ranch' Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
100% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% new French oak work together to build one powerful, deeply expressive wine with heady aromas of black currant, plum and cedar. The full-bodied, juicy palate bursts with currant and black cherry flavors accented by cloves and supported by bold, grainy tannins. Tuck this aside for just a year or two and then dive into those deep, dark layers.
Wine Advocate
Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon State Ranch was aged for 18 months in French oak, 50% new. Deep garnet-purple in color, the nose is redolent of chocolate-covered cherries, blackberry preserves and black currant jelly with touches of wild sage, cast iron pan and cardamom with a waft of cumin seed. Full-bodied, the palate bursts with crunchy black fruit and loads of spicy accents, supported by firm grainy tannins and tons of freshness, finishing long and lively.
JS94James Suckling
Attractive aromas of blackcurrant and blueberry with some dark chocolate and hazelnut. It’s full-bodied and juicy with lots of fruit and hazelnut at the end. Better in 2023.
JD94Jeb Dunnuck
In the same style, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon State Ranch has a medium to full-bodied style as well as already complex notes of red and black currants, baking spices, dried herbs, and earth. It's rich, nicely concentrated, and balanced.
WE93Wine Enthusiast
This thickly concentrated wine is brimming in leather and dried herb tones. Black fruit dominates and broods along the rounded, velvety palate, offering luxury and complexity in equal measure.
WS92Wine Spectator
This is well-built, with cassis, crushed plum and blackberry fruit flavors that stretch out slowly and surely, inlaid with graphite, sweet tobacco and violet accents throughout. Ample tarry grip on the back end will need some cellaring to unwind. Best from 2022 through 2032.